Snow-bomb expected to split and cover the UK later this month

Forecasters are predicting heavy snow for the UK later this month

A 'snow bomb' is expected to split in two and shower the UK with snowflakes later this month, forecasters have warned. The weather is about to take a dramatic turn and the mild Christmas of 2023 will soon be a distant memory, the Mirror reports.

Weather maps from WXCharts are now showing a cold spell with temperatures expected to plummet. In the coldest areas, snow will follow, the maps show.

The weather system will divide into two, bringing snowfall to northern England, and maybe even further south. The latest forecast comes amid fears the UK could experience conditions similar to the heavy snow brought by the so-called Beast from the East in 2018.

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The Met Office long-range forecast suggests snow could fall in the UK between January 15 and January 29. They also warn of "colder than average conditions" over that period.

The cold spell is expected to be caused by a sudden stratospheric warming" - a sharp rise in temperatures causing a blocking of high pressure - the same as brought widespread heavy snow in 2018.

The Met Office's long-range forecast long-range forecast for January 15 until January 19 reads: "Compared to normal, there is an increased chance of colder than average conditions during this period. Currently the chance of widespread severe cold is still deemed low, but still the risk of impacts from cold, ice and snow is greater than normal."