Exact locations set to see more snow while rest of Britain to be lashed with rain

On Jan 27, 2023

February will usher in a new wave of winter weather in certain parts of Britain, according to the Met Office.

With the first month of 2023 witnessing snow, sub-zero temperatures and freezing fog, there looks to be more of the same on the way next week in some regions of the country.

A risk of snow and the prospect of the UK’s first named storm of the year are both being forecast and overnight on Tuesday (January 31), a snow plume appears to be pushing over Scotland and the north east that will leave a dusting of the white stuff for people to wake up to the following morning.

Interactive maps WXCHARTS suggest for the first week of February at least, things appear to become more settled.

The nation as a whole could bask in temperatures of up to 6C, even in the likes of Scotland where snow coverage has been thick and consistent.

Snow and sub-zero temperatures have been a common theme during January in many parts of the UK
(Image: Jon Paul Perry Enlightenshade)

Then, on February 9 at around midnight, it shows a band of rain pushing in off the Atlantic targeting large swathes of Ireland, from Cork to Belfast, as well as encompassing the north western coast of Scotland.

In its long range forecast the Met Office is predicting a mixed bag during the first days of February due to a high pressure system centred in the north.

From January 31 – when the brief snowfall is predicted – to February 9, it says: “Tuesday likely cloudy with rain in the north, especially the northwest, clearing to sunny spells and blustery showers. Initially mostly dry in the south with some sunshine, but likely becoming cloudier with some patchy rain later.

“Into the rest of the period, the main theme is of high pressure centred to the south, with low pressure systems passing to the north. This will result in frontal systems spreading from the northwest, bringing spells of wet and windy weather mainly to the north and northwest.”

But, the south won’t evade the rain entirely, with the leading forecaster not ruling out any brief cold periods.

A dusting of the white stuff is forecast to fall in Scotland and the north east on Tuesday morning (January 31)
(Image: Anadolu Agency)

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It adds: “The south is also likely to see some rain at times. In any colder interludes between frontal systems, we will likely see a mixture of sunshine and showers, perhaps wintry in the northeast.

“Temperatures generally varying between mild and cool, with a frost risk remaining.”

Looking further ahead, the Met Office long-range forecast from February 9 to 23 suggests changeable conditions will continue throughout the month.

It adds: “During this period, frontal activity and associated changeable weather conditions are likely to bring rainfall, heavy at times, especially to the north and west. The south and east are expected to see some lighter rain or showers at times, interspersed with some drier and brighter periods.

“A brief spell of more settled conditions is possible in the middle of the period, bringing a greater risk of overnight frost and freezing fog, especially under clear skies with light winds. Temperatures are expected to be generally at or slightly above average, although a brief colder spell remains possible.”