Forecasters are predicting a rare weather event (Image: Getty/Wxcharts)
Forecasters have issued warnings of a rare phenomenon as bright orange patches on signal intense snowfall across parts of the UK this week.
The weather map by shows a powerful low-pressure system barreling towards Britain, bringing heavy snow, icy conditions and potential travel disruption.
The map indicates significant snow accumulation in , particularly in the Highlands and regions near Inverness and Aberdeen, where depths could exceed 10cm by the early hours of Friday, January 24.
Surrounding areas, including parts of northern England and Northern Ireland, are also expected to see snowfall, with lighter accumulations extending as far south as Manchester and Birmingham.
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A rare snow storm will hit parts of the UK (Image: WXChart)
The map highlights the approaching low-pressure system with a central pressure of 945mb, indicative of a potent winter storm. As the system moves across the UK, temperatures are forecast to plummet, with widespread freezing conditions fueling snow showers and icy rain.
Meteorologists have warned of hazardous travel conditions, particularly in higher altitudes, where snow depth and drifting may lead to road closures.
The bright orange zones on the snow map represent areas of particularly intense snowfall rates, with up to 6cm per hour forecast in localised regions. These events are rare in the UK, with such heavy snowfall typically reserved for the country’s coldest months.
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Temperatures will plummet across the country on January 24 (Image: Met Office)
The said: “The change to much more unsettled conditions will begin on Friday as a deep area of low pressure, which is yet to develop, will be steered towards the UK on a powerful Jet Stream – fuelled by the recent cold spell over North America.
“A wet and windy few days are likely, with some snow in the north for a time, and then a continuation of these periods of rain followed by showers, often accompanied by strong winds, looks likely for the rest of the month and the start of February.
“There is the potential for weather warnings or even a named storm at some point. Temperatures at least should recover in most places, ending up a little above average, though admittedly not feeling like it at times.”
This snowfall is part of a broader cold snap expected to grip the UK into next week. High winds, freezing rain, and sub-zero temperatures are set to dominate, with the most severe impacts in northern and western regions.
As the UK braces for this dramatic shift in weather, forecasters are urging caution and preparedness, with further updates likely in the coming days.