18z GFS op run shows at least 3 if not 4 snowfall events in the south from channel lows pushing up and eastwards and stalling/stagnating. The low on 2nd but depends on tracking of it, BUT 4th & again on 5th shows snow, followed by easterly winds and channel low to form and bring snow to the south on 6 and 7th and another channel low on 9th to 11th bringing heavy snow to the south. I looked at the ENS briefly and the OP is a mild outlier between 4th -8th! wow! As for the OP it shows daytime maxes still at or just a smidge above freezing by 13th January and that's a long way off now but goodness me! - The 18z control run plunges the UK into the freezer!
I would be gutted if not one came off despite all that. On the plus side we are seeing upgrades in the cold each run and the positioning of the low is crucial. Timings are almost nailed on but the positioning isn't it could take a southerly track or more northerly. Very interesting times ahead!
The caveat is that NE America are expecting a cold spell as well and usually we all know what this means for the UK, so i will remain cautious until Monday at least. It could all go Pete tong! We have been here before but I can't remember seeing such cold blocked charts in January for several years and even then they have not always verified, so I am remaining cautious!
Originally Posted by: tallyho_83