Weather Warnings Archive: Wednesday 07 Jan 2026 12:18 GMT - UK

issued by the Metoffice at
   12:18, 07.01.2026

valid from
   17:00, 08.01.2026
until
   12:00, 09.01.2026

Region: West Midlands

Rain, associated with Storm Goretti, will spread northeastwards across the warning area through Thursday afternoon and evening, transitioning to snow fairly widely overnight and into Friday. Snow initially will begin to accumulate across hills in Wales and then increasingly to lower levels overnight. Whilst not all areas may see accumulating snow, accumulations of 5-10 cm are likely quite widely, with scope for 15-25 cm in places, especially on some hills above 200 metres elevation. There is a chance of 30 cm accumulating over high ground in Wales and/or the Peak District. There is some uncertainty over the exact track of Storm Goretti, which will influence the locations most likely to see disruptive snow. Amounts of snow will also depend quite heavily on both elevation and the intensity of precipitation, and as this becomes somewhat lighter into Friday this will lead to an awkward mix of rain, sleet and snow, gradually clearing away to the east. Therefore there is likely to be a lot of variation, even over relatively short distances. The low pressure system has been named by Meteo France, as the strongest winds associated with Storm Goretti are most likely over northern France. What Should I Do? Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger). People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

Storm Goretti is likely to bring heavy snow leading to disruption and difficult travelling conditions later Thursday and into Friday

The public is advised to take extra care, further information and advice can be found here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html

issued by the Metoffice at
   12:18, 07.01.2026

valid from
   20:00, 08.01.2026
until
   09:00, 09.01.2026

Region: West Midlands

Rain associated with Storm Goretti will turn readily to heavy snow on Thursday evening, initially on hills and then to lower levels overnight, before easing through the course of Friday morning. Accumulations of 10-15 cm are likely fairly widely, with the potential for 20-30 cm in some locations, mainly on hills above 200 m elevation, more especially in Wales and/or the Peak District. Snow will ease through the course of Friday morning, turning more to rain or sleet at times at low levels, but disruption is likely to persist into Friday after snow stops falling. There is some uncertainty over the exact track of Storm Goretti, which will influence the locations most likely to see disruptive snow, and it is possible this warning may be updated. The low pressure system has been named by Meteo France, as the strongest winds associated with Storm Goretti are most likely over northern France. What Should I Do? It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe. If you must drive, do this more safely by: using dipped headlights; accelerating gently, using low revs and changing to higher gears as quickly as possible; starting in second gear to help with wheel slip; maintaining a safe and steady speed, keeping distance from other vehicles; using a low gear to go downhill, avoiding braking unless necessary; steering into skids, not taking your hands off the wheel, and avoiding slamming on brakes. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. If isolated due to snow, follow these simple steps to keep safe and well: keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night; turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed; ensure pets are safe by keeping them warm and comfortable; prevent frozen pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing; stay indoors, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in; and, if you need support call the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651. Help to protect vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.

Heavy snow, associated with Storm Goretti, is likely to lead to disruption and dangerous travelling conditions Thursday night into Friday

The public is advised to take extra care, further information and advice can be found here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html