After a cold start to 2026 with widespread snow covering many parts of the UK, new weather forecasts indicate that residents in 15 counties are bracing for another round of blizzard conditions. Recent weather maps highlight areas in Scotland and Northern Ireland where snow is expected to persist in the upcoming days, particularly across the Scottish Highlands.
Following a period of intense cold and significant snowfall, a shift towards milder temperatures is anticipated across most of the UK this week. Updated weather projections suggest that 12 counties in Scotland could experience snowfall on Thursday, ranging from Inverness to Ayrshire. While most of the snow is predicted to be light, areas like Midlothian and west Lothian may face heavier snowfall. In Northern Ireland, both County Antrim and County Down are also likely to see snowfall according to the latest forecasts.
Although England and Wales are expected to avoid snowfall, bands of rain are forecasted to move across the UK, affecting coastal regions the most and with additional rain expected in the western parts of the country. The Met Office predicts that Thursday will bring “wet and windy weather pushing northeastwards.”
Moreover, Friday is expected to follow with blustery showers, especially in the south where temperatures are set to be milder. Authorities have issued warnings about potential flooding due to heavy rain and the melting of snow and ice following Storm Goretti.
As temperatures begin to rise again, the Met Office cautions about the combination of snow melt, rapid thawing, and further rainfall across the northern UK, which could lead to flooding in certain regions. Previously, gusts of up to 100mph and a rare red weather warning for “dangerous, stormy” winds in the South West prompted precautions among residents.
