A potential ‘Beast from the East’ storm is expected to bring more snowfall to the UK later this month. Forecast maps indicate a significant weather front moving in from the East on January 23, likely covering the entire country with snow. Cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow could experience snow flurries around midday.
The GFS weather model suggests that snowfall will persist on January 23 and 24, affecting Wales and Northern Ireland as well. Snow coverage maps for January 24 and 25 show snow accumulation from southern England to northern Scotland, spanning approximately 600 miles. Various cities including London, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Nottingham, Norwich, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen are expected to have snow on the ground.
This upcoming blizzard may evoke memories of the 2018 Beast From The East, known for extreme cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. However, the snow accumulations from the upcoming storm are predicted to be less severe. Scotland may see up to eight inches of snow, northern England up to two inches, and other regions around one inch.
Long-range forecasts from BBC Weather also suggest the likelihood of more snow towards the end of January and the beginning of February. While significant snowfall is not expected, wintry showers could occur in northern regions, particularly in Scotland. Mild west to south-westerly winds are anticipated, with Atlantic low-pressure systems bringing wet and windy weather. Chilly intervals are expected in northern areas, but prolonged cold spells are unlikely.
Although there is some uncertainty in the long-term forecast, the prevailing trend indicates temperatures staying above normal. Any wintry showers are likely to be limited to Scotland’s higher grounds, with little indication of a prolonged cold spell. Potential colder flows from high-pressure systems over Scandinavia are being monitored, but currently not the favored outcome.