The week begins with a notably unsettled spell of weather, with multiple warnings in force due to Storm Chandra.
A band of heavy rain pushes northwards, and as it meets cold air across northern areas, it is likely to fall as sleet and snow, particularly over the hills of northern England and Scotland. Some higher routes may see 10–20cm of snow, leading to the potential for hazardous travel conditions. At the same time, strong winds, especially across eastern parts of Northern Ireland, add to the disruptive mix. A number of weather warnings are currently in place.
Temperatures through the early part of the week will be near normal for late January, though slightly below average in the north. However, the combination of rain, hill snow and strong winds will make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Even in the southwest, where temperatures may reach double figures, widespread showers and gusty winds will maintain a distinctly chilly feel.
Significant rainfall and saturated ground
The first half of the week brings the risk of significant rainfall accumulations, particularly across Wales, Northern Ireland and southwest England, where the ground is already saturated following recent prolonged wet weather. Rolling 12‑hour rainfall totals indicate the possibility of 60–80mm of additional rain across the southwest, increasing the likelihood of further flooding. Some parts of Northern Ireland may see up to 70mm, and rainfall will also build across parts of Wales.
#StormChandra continues to bring a wet and windy start to Tuesday across much of the country with multiple warnings still in force ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 27, 2026
Here are the latest wind gust and rainfall statistics from the last few hours 👇 pic.twitter.com/j2X9kpELfq
Storm Chandra and strong winds
Alongside the heavy rain, Storm Chandra brings a period of very strong winds, particularly affecting eastern Northern Ireland, where gusts of 70–75 mph, and potentially higher, may cause transport disruption and damage. One complicating factor is the unusual wind direction: instead of the usual westerlies, winds may come from the east, which can exacerbate impacts along exposed coastlines and elevated routes. Some areas in the southwest may also be affected by this shift in direction. By Tuesday night and into Wednesday, Storm Chandra gradually moves away westwards.
A brighter and drier midweek for some
Wednesday offers a short‑lived improvement, with many central and eastern areas seeing drier and brighter conditions, including sunny spells for some. However, rain and hill snow continue in parts of northeastern Scotland, while western areas, including Northern Ireland, Wales and southwest England, retain outbreaks of cloud, rain and strong gusty winds. Temperatures will be near or just below normal, ranging from mid to high single figures to around 10°C further south.
Turning colder with an increasing risk of wintry weather
As Thursday arrives, Storm Chandra remains to the west, but its influence lessens. A new front moves in, though it is not especially active, and many areas see a similar pattern to Wednesday: cloud and rain in the west, some rain and hill snow in the northeast, and drier spells in central and eastern parts.
Colder air begins to edge further south across northern areas, increasing the risk of sleet and snow, especially over hills. This risk continues to grow towards the end of the week, raising the potential for some disruptive snowfall in northern regions.
Despite the cloudier skies on Thursday, there will still be periods of dry weather, although parts of the southwest will experience further rain. With saturated ground and more rain to come, flooding remains a concern. A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued.
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A wet and windy Friday
Friday continues the unsettled theme as an area of low pressure to the southwest brings more wet and windy weather. Much of the rain moves across central parts of the UK, while the colder air entrenched across northern areas raises the likelihood of snow on modest hills in northern England and Scotland.
Temperatures remain near normal in the south, where winds ease slightly, making conditions feel less raw. Further north, however, temperatures dip a little lower as colder air continues to deepen.
Rainfall accumulation concerns
Rolling rainfall totals through the latter part of the week highlight persistent heavy rain across Northern Ireland and eastern Scotland, where totals build steadily, reflecting rain that lingers for much of the week. The greatest concern, however, remains across southern Wales and southwest England where rainfall accumulation throughout the week may be substantial.
Some locations have already seen more than a typical winter’s worth of rainfall, despite being only halfway through the meteorological winter. With more rain expected, ongoing flooding issues are likely.
Early signs suggest that Saturday may begin on a drier note, with some sunshine breaking through for parts of the UK. However, this improvement is unlikely to last, as the broader trend remains unsettled. Further heavy rain and strengthening winds are likely to arrive from the west later in the weekend. At present, Saturday appears to be the better day, though confidence decreases the further ahead we look.
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