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UK Braces for Late-January Wintry Risk as Models Flag Snow, Freezing Rain and Gales

The Met Office says a battleground pattern raises the chance of colder air, with timing and extent still uncertain.

Overview

  • Forecast models highlight two windows for disruptive weather, with widespread snow risk around January 27 and a further wintry episode near February 1.
  • Some model outputs indicate very large snow totals over parts of Scotland, with double‑figure depths in places, though these extremes remain model‑dependent.
  • GFS guidance points to the potential for rare freezing rain and ice pellets on February 1, raising hazards for transport and infrastructure.
  • A Met Office yellow warning for rain is in force for parts of Scotland, where 80–120mm is possible over higher ground between Wednesday and Friday.
  • Officials, including deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates, stress that colder conditions look more likely next week but the arrival and severity remain uncertain.