The Weather Outlook

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David M Porter
22 January 2026 09:51:24
In some ways, the current model output rather reminds me of where we were back in the first half of December with low pressure stuck almost permanently over the British Isles, day after day. The only difference between what we had then and what is being suggested by the models for the coming week or so is that it was generally milder in the first fortnight of December. We shall just have to hope this is not the start of a protracted unsettled spell and that some consistent signs of a change start appearing in the output sometime soon.
Lenzie, Glasgow

"A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody." – Thomas Paine

Rob K
22 January 2026 10:15:39

There's a definition shift this morning for next week's conveyer belt of low pressure systems to track marginally further South. This means the colder air, stays over Scotland, or very close to it depending on which model you look at.

Also a signal for the cold air to shift South as we head into next weekend. Clearly that's la la land though, in the current set up.

Originally Posted by: Arbroath 1320 

Yes ECM actually shows snow for a time even down here next Tuesday. It soon turns back to rain of course.


Yateley, NE Hampshire, 73m asl

"But who wants to be foretold the weather? It is bad enough when it comes, without our having the misery of knowing about it beforehand." — Jerome K. Jerome

jhall
22 January 2026 10:34:06

Just look at the GFS 18z Ensembles for NYC:

Those uppers some sub -20hpa will feel bitter there. So no chance of cold here then..?

https://www.wetterzentrale.de/en/show_diagrams.php?geoid=131181&model=gfs&var=2&run=18&lid=ENS&bw=1 

Originally Posted by: tallyho_83 

There's almost certainly a correlation, but it's nothing like as strong as you're implying. There have certainly been cases in the past where it's been cold in the NE USA and in the UK at the same time.


Cranleigh, Surrey
Quantum
22 January 2026 10:40:39
Not sure why its so quiet in here, the 0Z set brought us back from the brink! We are only a small upgrade away from it all being back on, and it arguably already is for northern parts. 
25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

Quantum
22 January 2026 11:18:47
A little blob of low heights disconnects from the main cold core low over the Atlantic at around 51h. That blob of low heights merges with today's low and pushes it further south. The result is a much more negative tilt on Sunday and next week when Tuesday's low comes in.

To get this kind of correction at 51 hours is incredible. I don't think I've ever seen a cold spell come back from this close to the brink. Its a way to go, but the levels of correction needed now are much smaller. We are actually in a better position now than we were after the 12Z ECM yesterday.

https://modeles3.meteociel.fr/modeles/ecmwf2/runs/2026012206/ecmwfeuw-0-69.png?6 

The ECM6Z has started running. The saviour is the greyish blob of low heights near that 985mb secondary low. Its dragging the whole lot further south. This feature wasn't on the 18Z set from yesterday. 


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

Quantum
22 January 2026 11:26:51
I mean people really should be in here right now. You are going to want to take a look at the snow totals on the ECM6Z.


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

Quantum
22 January 2026 11:33:00
Lol big upgrade on the GEM6Z. GEM0Z was already looking pretty good.

https://img.meteocentre.com/numerical-weather-prediction/cmc_gdps_eur_06/TD_PN_084_0000.gif 

We are one small update from this being completely back on. Where is everyone?

Also people do realize the low res models don't handle evap cooling well right? There is real snow potential here, where is everyone!


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

Saint Snow
22 January 2026 11:48:04

Just for fun, here's what the ECM was predicting 10 days ago for today:

https://images.meteociel.fr/im/90/115/ecmwf_0_240zow3.png 

UserPostedImage

...and here's what we ended up with:

https://images.meteociel.fr/im/98/29639/ecmwf_0_3mgd6.png 

UserPostedImage

On a very broad-brush basis it's not actually too bad - but on a more local level it's the little changes that make all the difference. It's the same old story, really, the strength of the Atlantic flow was underestimated, the strength of the blocking to the NE overestimated. Small changes on a global scale, but boy - what a difference they make to our little islands! 

Originally Posted by: Retron 

Is that the full picture, though?

Yes, the 'Scandi-ish' high is slightly weaker - but it ridges at least as far westwards (further!) on the current output than it did on the 12th Jan chart. And is the Atlantic that much stronger?

Seems to me that the change having the biggest impact is pressure over the Arctic.

On the 12th Jan chart, there is low pressure, reaching as far south as the area between Svalbaard and Greenland. The result is that there's a Scandy High ridging westwards on a latitude to reach the South Coast of the UK.

On the current chart, the high pressure is still there - but it's at a more northern latitude, with the westward-ridging at it's most extensive on that Svalbaard to Greenland latitude. That of course means that the CAA occurs on a much more northern latitude.

It's a pity you don't have the 'top down' view of each chart, as I think that would show the two situations even clearer.

Today's 'current situation' chart actually looks dripping with potential - a strong block to our N and NE, with energy from the Atlantic slipping SE'wards into a continent sitting under slack pressure. Yet if we skip through the run, the strength of blocking over North Africa/Southern Med and the [f***ing] AH joining to create a wall that acts as a roadblock to prevent the energy from properly sliding into mainland Europe and allowing the blocking to our N & NE to ridging SW'wards to both introduce the colder air to more/most of the UK, and divert the conveyor of further Atlantic lows on a more southerly path.

.

.


Martin

Home: St Helens (26m asl) Work: Manchester (75m asl)

A TWO addict since 14/12/01

"How can wealth persuade poverty to use its political freedom to keep wealth in power? Here lies the whole art of Conservative politics."

Aneurin Bevan

Quantum
22 January 2026 11:51:55
WRF6Z from the GFS. Look how close the cold air is on Monday morning.

https://modeles16.meteociel.fr/modeles/wrfnmm-eur/runs/2026012206/nmm-37-95-0.png?22-11 

It will take such a minor correction to get it over us in time for the frontal feature. Cold dry undercutting moist Atlantic air, there is disruptive snow potential here.


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

Ally Pally Snowman
22 January 2026 11:52:51
AIFS 6z very good from 216h again. Will other models follow.? Probably 
Bishop's Stortford 85m ASL.
Saint Snow
22 January 2026 11:54:46

Not sure why its so quiet in here, the 0Z set brought us back from the brink! We are only a small upgrade away from it all being back on, and it arguably already is for northern parts. 

Originally Posted by: Quantum 

We're in a situation where the more south you are, the less likely you'll get the colder air and potential for snow.

A large majority of active MO thread posters live in the SE/S, and even the best options still out there don't show the mythical 'true midwinter easterly' synoptics that were widespread in the models several days ago.

This is in no way a criticism, by the way. We all look at charts with a heavy bias towards our own areas and to have tantalising charts dangled in front of you, only for them to be whipped away, is demoralising.

I do agree with you, though, that the general despondency is masking that some areas (I don't think MBY will be amongst them) will likely receive some good snowfall.


Martin

Home: St Helens (26m asl) Work: Manchester (75m asl)

A TWO addict since 14/12/01

"How can wealth persuade poverty to use its political freedom to keep wealth in power? Here lies the whole art of Conservative politics."

Aneurin Bevan

Quantum
22 January 2026 11:59:02

We're in a situation where the more south you are, the less likely you'll get the colder air and potential for snow.

A large majority of active MO thread posters live in the SE/S, and even the best options still out there don't show the mythical 'true midwinter easterly' synoptics that were widespread in the models several days ago.

This is in no way a criticism, by the way. We all look at charts with a heavy bias towards our own areas and to have tantalising charts dangled in front of you, only for them to be whipped away, is demoralising.

I do agree with you, though, that the general despondency is masking that some areas (I don't think MBY will be amongst them) will likely receive some good snowfall.

Originally Posted by: Saint Snow 

I think the SE has a good shot at this. Very dry cold air is moving on surface South easterly winds on monday morning. 850hpa winds at this point are more southerly, so while T850s are around -2C and rising slightly, temps in the lower layer are falling. If people are looking at T850 they are going to be very mislead. The colder air is about 150 miles further SW than the 850s imply because the surface winds are more backed than the upper winds.

https://modeles16.meteociel.fr/modeles/wrfnmm-eur/runs/2026012206/nmm-37-103-0.png?22-11 

This is the middle of Monday before the front has arrived, so this is pre evap cooling. I've seen things so much warmer than this and evap cooling is enough to bring it to snow, this is almost enough without evap cooling. 


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

Quantum
22 January 2026 12:11:36
The GFS fed WRF doesn't quite bring snow into the SE but its close (still brings snow for Yorkshire northward), and the GFS was one of the poorest of all the 6Zs.

The 6Z GEM is a good 2-4C colder at the surface on Sunday evening, with a much more backed wind profile. If the WRF was fed with the GEM I have no doubt snow would be around in the SE on Monday.


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

TheJudge
22 January 2026 12:35:46

Not sure why its so quiet in here, the 0Z set brought us back from the brink! We are only a small upgrade away from it all being back on, and it arguably already is for northern parts. 

Originally Posted by: Quantum 

Model watching fatigue.

Even I have started looking for the first hints of spring in the models now, I can’t find much to give me hope here either, looks to me like average temps for most with copious amounts of rainfall for some. Unless of course you live above the border in Scotland and maybe parts of the northeast.

Edit: I had no looked at recent updates, there is a little more hope for the coldies as things flip flop around 😂


Barby 551 ft above sea level
tallyho_83
22 January 2026 12:45:30

There's almost certainly a correlation, but it's nothing like as strong as you're implying. There have certainly been cases in the past where it's been cold in the NE USA and in the UK at the same time.

Originally Posted by: jhall 

And the 06z GFS Ensembles for NYC have for colder which i guess is bad news for us. An ens upper mean of -23.2c on 24th. 🥶

https://www.wetterzentrale.de/en/show_diagrams.php?geoid=131181&model=gfs&var=2&run=6&lid=ENS&bw=1 

.


Home Location - Vixen Tor Close, Okehampton, Devon (221m ASL)

---------------------------------------

Sean Moon

Magical Moon

www.magical-moon.com

picturesareme
22 January 2026 14:13:01

Not sure why its so quiet in here, the 0Z set brought us back from the brink! We are only a small upgrade away from it all being back on, and it arguably already is for northern parts. 

Originally Posted by: Quantum 

Probably because people are giving it a break (as u should), as they have realised there is nothing other than a few random runs always a week or more away in the output suggesting a more settled colder spell - just more chilly rain. 

Snow Hoper
22 January 2026 14:42:27
Had the GFS06z  op been p17 like we were getting last week, then this place might have been more interested. However unlikely it might be, this time round the op is at the top end of the ensembles running with the average line, last week it wasn't.
Going to war over religion is like killing each other to see who has the better imaginary friend.

Home : Mid Suffolk.

48m Asl

GroundhogDay
22 January 2026 15:07:25
I know you're the patron saint of lost causes Quantum, but us southern folk are by and large suffering from AMFS (Acute Model Fatigue Syndrome). 

The promise of some transient sleet isn't going to help anyone push through  'the wall'. Most of us are currently carbo loading and resting up before the next inevitable chase!


Based in the snow desert that is North Northants
Quantum
22 January 2026 15:27:33

I know you're the patron saint of lost causes Quantum, but us southern folk are by and large suffering from AMFS (Acute Model Fatigue Syndrome). 

The promise of some transient sleet isn't going to help anyone push through  'the wall'. Most of us are currently carbo loading and resting up before the next inevitable chase!

Originally Posted by: GroundhogDay 

I genuinely think you guys are suffering more from UTDS (upper temperature dependency syndrome)! The colder air is far closer to the SE than you think it is, it was literally only 50 miles away from the SE on the GFS run WRF and that wasn't even the best model. And this is without evaporational cooling enhancement.

I don't want to jynx it because obviously we can still get downgrades, but if the SE does end up with snow early next week; remember me!


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

Quantum
22 January 2026 15:28:53
ICON12Z has upgraded again on the 6Z!

Seriously guys, this is not a false chase or a straw chase; do I need to bump the short term snow potential thread early! 

https://modeles12.meteociel.fr/modeles/icon/archives/2026012212/icon-10-126.png?12 

Look ^^

Snow as far south as Cambridge. And this is on the global model which we know will massively understate the crucial evaporation cooling factor. 


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

warrenb
22 January 2026 15:42:20
Tomorrow doesn't look very pleasant down here on the GFS 12z
Quantum
22 January 2026 15:43:14
ARPEGE12Z also upgraded on the 6Z, not quite there, but progress being made.


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

Quantum
22 January 2026 15:54:46
GFSAI looks like an upgrade

Today's low = British low

Next week's low = American low

Normal GFS probably also an upgrade. The blob of heights ahead of the American low enhances the decaying British low and pushes it further SE. GFS12Z is really quite different in this regard, quite a major change at such a short lead time.

EDIT: You even have the cold uppers back now on the GFS12Z. Surely that's enough to begin the chase again?


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

warrenb
22 January 2026 16:02:09
Yes, an upgrade from chilly with rain, to cold with rain.
Quantum
22 January 2026 16:04:43

Yes, an upgrade from chilly with rain, to cold with rain.

Originally Posted by: warrenb 

The GFS global model even has snow showers for your area prior to the front and its evaporational cooling.


25/26 (850hpa temp) 11 days snow/sleet falling

18/11 (-4) 19/11 (-6) 20/11 (-6) 01/01 (-7) 04/01 (-10) 10/01 (-7) 11/01 (-3) 30/01 (-1) 13/02 (-6) 15/02 (-4) 18/02 (-6)

24/25 10d

18/11 (-6) 19/11 (-6) 23/11 (-2) 22/12 (-5) 04/01 (-5) 05/01 (0)14/02 (0) 15/02 (0)12/03 (-6) 13/03 (-6)

23/24 8d

29/11 (-6) 30/11 (-6) 02/12 (-5) 03/12 (-5) 04/12 (-3) 16/01 (-3) 18/01 (-8)08/02 (-5)

22/23 7d

18/12 (-1)06/03 (-6) 08/03 (-8) 09/03 (-6) 10/03 (-8) 11/03 (-5) 14/03 (-6)

21/22 12d

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