After a chilly start to 2026 that resulted in a widespread layer of snow covering many parts of the UK, upcoming weather patterns indicate that residents in 15 counties are bracing for another bout of heavy snowfall.
Newly released weather maps highlight the regions that are likely to experience snow in the upcoming days, with various counties in Scotland and Northern Ireland expected to face wintry weather conditions. The latest maps from WXCharts reveal ongoing snow cover across a significant portion of the Scottish Highlands, with additional snowfall predicted.
Following a period of intense cold and extensive snowfall, milder temperatures are anticipated to prevail across most of the UK this week. The updated weather forecasts suggest that 12 counties in Scotland could witness snowfall on Thursday, ranging from Inverness to Ayrshire.
Although the snowfall is projected to be mostly light, with a gentle accumulation of 1mm per hour or less, heavier conditions are forecasted for regions like Midlothian and West Lothian. In Northern Ireland, both County Antrim and County Down are also expected to see snow according to the latest weather maps.
While England and Wales are likely to be spared from snowfall, the most recent forecast indicates the movement of rain bands across the UK, particularly affecting coastal areas, with additional rain expected to sweep from the west across the country. According to the Met Office, Thursday is predicted to bring “wet and windy weather pushing northeastwards.”
The upcoming weather conditions include “blustery showers on Friday,” with milder temperatures anticipated in the southern regions, as stated by the forecaster. The Met Office has issued warnings about heavy rain, melting snow, and ice following Storm Goretti, potentially leading to flooding in certain areas.
With gusts of up to 100mph and a rare red weather warning issued for “dangerous, stormy” winds in the South West, residents have been advised to take precautions. As temperatures begin to rise once again, the Met Office cautions that snowmelt and a “rapid thaw” in the northern parts of the UK, combined with additional rainfall, could result in flooding in some areas.
Scotland:
Northern Ireland: