The Met Office said on 11 January 2024 that a northerly airflow would bring cold arctic air to the UK from Sunday 14 January and into early next week, with snow showers focused across northern areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland1. In its announcement, the forecaster said the initial snow risk from Sunday onwards was most likely for coastal areas in the north of the UK, including North Sea and Irish Sea coasts1.
Looking further ahead, the Met Office said that through the middle of next week, with cold air firmly in place over the UK, there was a chance of disruptive snow for some areas as milder Atlantic air pushed in from the southwest1. It said there was still plenty of detail to work out, with around a week to go until that transition, and that models were showing a variety of options for exactly when and how the situation would play out1. Ahead of the weekend, it described conditions as largely cool and dry for much of the UK, with sub-zero temperatures overnight for many1.
The UK Health Security Agency has a Cold-Health Alert in force, which the Met Office said highlights the possibility of significant impacts for the health and social care sector1. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:
"The temperatures we will see leading into the weekend can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week."
The Met Office said travel plans could be impacted given the potential for snow and ice for some from Sunday onwards1. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said drivers should make sure they travel fully prepared, and that a few essential items in the boot, no matter what distance is being travelled, can make a difference in a breakdown situation in freezing conditions. He listed a warm, waterproof coat, sturdy footwear and gloves, along with a blanket and a power bank to keep a phone charged, as vital1. He added that there are far too many instances where drivers have underestimated the severity of the conditions and found themselves in danger1.
Why it matters for households
The forecast covers two separate risks. From Sunday 14 January, snow showers are focused on northern Scotland and Northern Ireland, most likely in coastal areas including North Sea and Irish Sea coasts, so households in those areas face possible travel disruption from the start of next week1. Separately, the chance of disruptive snow through the middle to latter part of next week applies more widely, though the Met Office said the location and timing depend on where the milder Atlantic air meets the cold air and had not been settled1.
Cold conditions are already in place ahead of the weekend, with sub-zero overnight temperatures for many1. The UKHSA Cold-Health Alert in force highlights possible significant impacts for the health and social care sector, and the agency's advice is that people check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week1. The agency identifies those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as facing increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections from the temperatures leading into the weekend1. The storms and snow hub covers wider household preparation for this type of weather.
What happens next
The Met Office said more detail on the timing and location of any disruptive snow would be added in the coming days, and that it would keep the forecast updated on its website, social media channels and mobile app1.
Sources (1)
- Disruptive snow possible next week - Met Office, metoffice.gov.uk
