Winter isn’t done with us yet. Colder air is expected to sweep across the UK from the end of January into early February, bringing a mix of chilly conditions and the chance of snow in some areas.
This week, mild air from the west will be meeting cold air from the east. Early signs suggest the cold air might win out next week, although exactly where snow will fall is still uncertain. Some places could see sleet or snow, but small shifts in temperature can make a big difference.
Rain and Wind Before the Chill
Before the cold sets in, the UK is in for another few days of wet and windy weather. Low-pressure systems from the southwest will continue to push rain and strong winds across the country.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain in northeast Scotland from Wednesday to Friday. The ground there is already soggy from recent rain and thawing snow. With another 80–120mm of rain expected in just a few days—about a month’s worth—local flooding is possible.
When Will the Cold Arrive?
Northern areas will start to feel colder from Thursday into Friday. High ground in Scotland, especially the Grampians and Highlands, may see some snow.
Forecast models generally agree that next week will feel colder, but the transition won’t be dramatic everywhere. With high pressure to the east and low pressure to the west, the UK will sit right on the edge between milder and colder air.
Why Snow Can Be Hard to Predict in the UK
Snow is tricky in the UK. Our weather usually comes from the mild Atlantic, but when winds shift from the Arctic or Siberia, it can bring colder, snowier spells.
