The UK seasonal forecast headline is for winter 2021-22 to be colder than average over the three month period.
Precipitation levels are expected to be slightly above average generally.
The coldest periods are forecast to be in middle January and the first half of February.
As is usual with long range forecasts in the UK, confidence is very low.
Beast From The East, March 2018
The forecast was produced by looking at a number of factors, including:
In particular the new Weather Analogue Index (WAI) generated a strong signal for a cold or even very cold period in February.
Forecast confidence for winter 2021-22 is low. Seasonal models and recent climatology suggest a milder than average season. However, background signals on balance support colder conditions and the La Nina phase correlates with an increased chance of cold periods during the early part of the winter. Finally, the WAI leans towards a colder than average season.
In conclusion the TWO view is cold periods, rather than cold snaps, are most likely later on in the meteorological winter. The chance of widespread snow is considered to be the highest in the first half of February.
We welcome all press enquiries, whether relating to this news feature, or seeking comment on other weather news.
You are subscribed to push notifications.
You are not subscribed.
Click the Notify Me! button and then Allow. You can stop them at any time.
Summer 2024 weather forecast
Plan your summer with more confidence
Download Festival 2024
Will Glastonbury be a mudbath?
Spring bank holiday weather
Daily weather by email
14 day outlook
Monthly outlook
Seasonal outlook
Christmas weather
See the Model inventory for the full list of model charts and data