Met Office delivers verdict on UK facing 'worst snow for 14 years' as people told to expect disruption

A general view of snow covered fields between junction 27 of the M1 and Eastwood in Nottinghamshire.

The Met Office has issued its verdict on the prospect the “worst snowstorm” in 14 years could hit the UK next week. Some forecasters have issued some strong concerns about disruptive snowfall on its way to the UK, saying it could be the worst since 2010 – and the Met Office has given its reaction.

James Madden, of forecasters Exacta Weather, said that the risk of snow was higher than at any point since “the big freeze of 2010” Birmingham Live reports. He added: “It is likely we are about to start seeing images of vast regions of the nation covered in snow during a cold spell which is likely to hold out for an extended period.

“As well as the risk of snow, we will see harsh overnight frosts and the coldest temperatures dipping as low as -15C in the coldest parts of the country over the coming weeks.” Mr Madden said that for Sunday there was “increasingly high risk for… heavy and widespread snow showers to start developing across large parts of eastern England, and literally from as far north as Scotland/north east England, to parts of the far south and south east England/London”.

Mr Madden added: “However, the main focal point should be on the consistently colder temperatures that we will be facing over the coming weeks, and how this will allow any passing weather fronts and areas of unsettled weather to result in widespread snowfall for many parts of the country, and when I say literally anywhere could see snow from next week, I literally do mean this.

“When I say literally anywhere could see snow from next week, I literally do mean this.” Forecasters, including Accuweather, have pinpointed Wednesday, January 17 as the date the snow could hit Nottinghamshire with one saying there could be ‘widespread proper snow”.

The Met Office forecast for January 15 through until January 24 reads: “Often cloudy across clearing central and southern areas at first. Thereafter, turning colder from the North, with brisk northerly winds likely developing widely across of the UK, bringing a risk of snow showers, most frequent across the north.

“Temperatures remaining cold, and a marked wind chill especially in the north. There is risk of unsettled weather pushing in from the south through this period, which could lead to a band of snow and sleet where it meets the colder air across the country.

“Confidence is low with regards the timing of the arrival of any such disturbance, but there is an increasing risk of something potentially disruptive at some point in this period. Widespread frosts continue to be a feature by night, with a risk of ice in places.”