Issued: 1000hrs Saturday 19th January 2019
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Sustained cold temperatures

Cold and snowy weather is expected to dominate the rest of January with Arctic air masses influencing the British Isles. From Tuesday, very cold air is forecast to extend across the country, with heavy snow showers giving significant accumulations and disruption in some areas. By later next week, a bitter easterly wind is likely, maintaining cold weather for many days ahead.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Tuesday 22/01/19
A cold front passes southeastwards in the early hours, giving a spell of rain to southern England, but clearing in the morning. Much colder air follows, sweeping across the entire country into Tuesday daytime. Clusters of heavy snow and hail showers spreading inland across the north and west of Britain and Ireland from the northwest on a stiff breeze. Local significant accumulations of snow are possible. Some sunshine, best in central-southern England. Highs 1 to 5C.

Wednesday 23/01/19
Low pressure centred to the east is expected to give a cyclonic northerly airflow during midweek. Detail is uncertain, but clusters of snow and hail showers are likely almost anywhere. Most frequent showers probably focused around coasts in the west, east and north - fewest for central-southern England. Where showers are persistent, significant snow is possible. Expect icy conditions. Highs 0 to 4C.

Thursday 24/01/19
The pattern is due to turn northeasterly in the second half of the week. Staying cold, or becoming even colder for most places. A bitter wind from the North Sea will bring snow showers inland across many eastern regions. Drier toward the west, although local bands of snow showers may continue. Highs 0 to 3C.
 

Friday 25/01/19
Low confidence: High pressure builds across Scotland and Ireland, whilst a northeasterly wind continues across England and Wales. Bands of snow showers in the east. Bitterly cold, with very low overnight temperatures in Scotland. Staying near or below freezing all day for many places across the country.

Saturday 26/01/19
Easterly winds are likely to continue, so the chill continues. Some snow showers, mostly in the east, but some coming inland into the Midlands. Temperatures staying near or below freezing.

Sunday 27/01/19
High pressure may extend across the country, but detail is very uncertain. Local snow shower possible. Hard frost overnight. Daytime temperatures barely above freezing.