Birmingham prepares for Atlantic snowstorm as up to 8cm predicted across the Midlands
A fierce snowstorm sweeping in from the Atlantic is set to hit Birmingham and the surrounding Midlands, with the city said to be in the “firing line” of this winter weather event. Reports suggest up to 8 cm of snow could fall across the region, a significant change that could disrupt daily life and travel.
What to expect around the region
From late on 27 January, forecasts show the storm starting over Northern Ireland, Wales and South West England, bringing heavy snowfall. The GFS model maps (the Global Forecast System) indicate it will move eastwards by 28 January, reaching Scotland, the Midlands and South East England. With those figures, Birmingham is preparing for a sizeable fall of snow.
Severity varies by area. Some projections point to as much as 75 cm on the Scottish Highlands over a 9‑day period, while northern England might see 46 cm. Wales and South East England could get 16 cm, and places like the Midlands and South West England are forecast at 7–8 cm.
By 29 January, southern parts of England — including Plymouth, Bristol, Southampton and London — may see notable snow flurries. On 30 January, the North East (especially Newcastle) could face intense snowfall, with cities such as Aberdeen and Dundee in Scotland also affected. The storm is expected to bring further snow to much of England on 31 January, with London and East Anglia described as “in the firing line.”
How long the snow could last
The Met Office, the UK’s national weather service, warns that snow is on the cards at the end of this month and into early February, though it does not expect the flurries to be as widespread as the GFS maps suggest. Its forecast runs from 24 January to 2 February, highlighting a tug-of-war between incoming Atlantic systems and high pressure to the north and north‑east, which could interrupt snowfall at times.
Maps show patchy flurries across Northern Ireland, northern England and parts of Wales up to 2 February. Then 3 February could see heavy snow return to northern England, with Newcastle again highlighted. By the morning of 4 February, experts suggest nearly every part of the UK could be covered in snow, indicating broad coverage across the nations.
Who’s reporting and how to stay updated
Outlets such as MirrorOnline and agencies like BirminghamLive are providing live updates on the storm’s progress, encouraging residents to keep informed. BirminghamLive is engaging readers via its WhatsApp service (for instant local alerts).
The GFS model maps, which underpin these forecasts, are used to produce snow‑depth analyses and coverage maps and give a scientific basis to media reports. With forecasts from both GFS and the Met Office, developments merit close attention from anyone living in the paths of this system.
Communities and local agencies are being asked to monitor the forecasts closely. With weather stretching from Birmingham to the Scottish Highlands, vigilance is important. The storm is a reminder of nature’s power and the need to be prepared for rapidly changing weather.