A cold snap could return after a milder spell of weather
17:39, 15 Jan 2026Updated 17:39, 15 Jan 2026
The Met Office has revealed when wintry weather could make a return to the UK. It comes after a disruptive and chilly start to the year as Storm Goretti brought strong winds, heavy rain and snow to Wales while other parts of the UK saw a rare red weather warning.
Temperatures have been a lot milder this week, although there has been some unsettled weather with rain forecast and a warning that there could be flooding in some areas where the ground is saturated due to melting snow.
However, forecasters at the Met Office have given their verdict on a when a cold snap is set to return and they predict the UK could be hit with more snow by the end of the month. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here.
From Monday, January 19, the Met Office said the UK will see a "battle" between Atlantic weather systems attempting to arrive from the west while high pressure and colder conditions attempt to exert some influence from the east.
It's expected that the milder Atlantic air will dominate first, meaning that the current conditions of changeable weather with showers or longer spells of rain for most will continue for some time. Western parts of the UK, including Wales, are set to be the wettest.
Temperatures will be average for this time of year.
However, as we move closer to the end of the month, there is an "increased chance" that conditions will turn colder according to the Met Office.
Due to the forecast being made some weeks in advance, there is a level of uncertainty but this potential transition to colder weather will also increase the chance of snow across parts of the country.
As we head into February, a configuration of low pressure typically to the west or southwest and high pressure to the northeast of the UK will bring an increased chance of cold conditions affecting parts of the country. The Met Office warns that this will bring a risk of "wintry hazards at times."
The long-range forecast continues: "Deeper into February, and whilst confidence is naturally low, there may be a transition to more widely unsettled conditions and perhaps a corresponding recovery in temperature back closer to average."
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