UK Faces ’72-Hour Snow Barrage’ Warning

The UK is bracing for a powerful 72-hour blast of snow and heavy rain that could disrupt travel and plunge temperatures below freezing before the end of the month. Dubbed the “Beast from the East,” this fresh wave of wintry weather is set to blanket the nation, as forecasters warn of significant snowfall and icy conditions.

According to WXCharts, the storm is expected to hit the UK by Friday, January 24. Maps predict a swathe of snow stretching from central Scotland to the southeastern coast of England as a weather system sweeps in from the North Sea. Within 24 hours, much of the country will see a mix of snow and heavy rainfall, intensifying the chill and causing widespread travel disruptions.

The snowstorm will likely reach its peak over the weekend. Scotland, northeastern England, and Wales are forecasted to see significant snowfall, with snow depths around Inverness potentially reaching 15cm. Meanwhile, eastern England and the East Midlands are expected to experience a potent combination of rain and snow, while Cardiff and parts of Northern Ireland could see up to 5cm of snow.

The southwestern coast may be spared the worst of the snow, but it is forecasted to have heavy rain showers. The cold snap will continue through Sunday, with most areas facing wintery conditions.

While the storm has drawn comparisons to the infamous 2018 “Beast from the East,” when snow and icy winds caused widespread chaos, there’s no indication that this system will reach those extremes. The 2018 storm resulted in the UK’s first-ever red warning for snow, with grounded flights, power outages, and tragic fatalities.

The Met Office has cautioned that “rain, showers and windy conditions” are likely between January 18 and 27, fueled by cold air masses from eastern Europe and Siberia. January has already seen its fair share of winter woes, with Scotland recording a 15-year low temperature of -18.9°C earlier this month, alongside widespread flooding and frost.

Currently, over 30 flood alerts remain active across England and Wales. Although temperatures are slowly rising, thawing some snow and ice, winter conditions are far from over. Residents are urged to keep their warm gear handy as the storm approaches.

Met Office Five-Day Forecast:

Today:
Cloudy and dry in most areas, with drizzle in England and Wales. Scotland and northeastern England may see hill fog and sunny intervals, with milder temperatures in the north.

Tonight:
Clouds with patchy drizzle and breaks in eastern Scotland, northeast England, and Cornwall. Fog, frost, and some wind are expected in the north.

Thursday to Saturday Outlook:
Wind and rain in the northeast, cloudy skies in central and southern England and Wales, and brighter, milder conditions in northern regions.