As winter weather takes hold in the UK, the possibility of widespread snowstorms this weekend could disrupt travel and sports schedules, including Premier League matches. According to weather projections from WX Charts, parts of the country may experience a 57-hour snowstorm, with the northern regions likely to bear the brunt of the extreme conditions.
Authorities have issued warnings about potential travel disruptions, and with a yellow alert for ice already in place from the Met Office, fans and teams alike are bracing for the possibility of postponed matches. The areas most affected include southern Newcastle, Hull, Cumbria, Northumberland, and Yorkshire, where up to 6cm of snow is expected by Saturday morning. By Sunday, gale-force winds of over 100 km/h are predicted to hit Norfolk and the east coast.
Impact on the Premier League and EFL
While the snowy conditions are expected to primarily impact the north, fixtures in London and other southern locations appear to be safe for now. Arsenal faces Fulham on Saturday, and Tottenham hosts Chelsea on Sunday, with no current weather-related threats to these games. Similarly, West Ham’s Monday night fixture against Wolves and matches for Brentford and Crystal Palace on Saturday are unlikely to be affected.
The north, however, paints a different picture. The Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park and Manchester United’s home clash against Nottingham Forest are some of the weekend’s high-profile matches further north. Fortunately, WX Charts suggests the heaviest snow will hit eastern regions rather than the northwest, meaning these games may still go ahead as planned.
Lower-league football, however, may face challenges. AFC Wimbledon’s trip to Harrogate Town in League Two is particularly at risk due to the severe conditions forecast for Yorkshire.
As the weekend approaches, fans and clubs will need to stay updated on weather alerts and announcements from local authorities and league organizers. Whether you’re planning to attend or watch from home, the stormy conditions are sure to add an unpredictable edge to the weekend’s action.