Snow to hit UK as Met Office issues yellow weather warning
The UK is set to see snow once again after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning and health chiefs issued a cold weather warning.
The warning from the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) will be in effect from 6am on Friday until 8am on Monday, covering the South West, Midlands, North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber. It warns that cold conditions are likely to pose a “greater risk to the lives of vulnerable people” and the use of healthcare services will increase.
The Met Office warned that up to 15cm of snow was also expected to fall in Wales and the West Midlands on Wednesday and Thursday.
Snowy and cold weather can cause travel disruptions, with railways, buses and train services affected by longer journey times, delays and cancellations due to dangerous conditions with vehicles and passengers stranded on the roads and icy surfaces.
The forecaster also warned that some rural communities could experience power outages and that power outages could affect cell phone coverage.
The yellow weather warning will be in effect from 16:00 on Wednesday until 16:00 on Thursday. Wales, the West Midlands, parts of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire are also affected by the warning.
Forecasters said 2-5cm of snow could accumulate above 150-200 metres, while up to 10-15cm of snow could accumulate above 250-300 meters in central and south-east Wales, as well as Herefordshire and Shropshire.
Small snow drifts, generally less than 2cm, are possible, especially on low ground from later Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning.
It is expected that the rainy weather will be accompanied by strong winds from the east and northeast.
The national forecast service advised drivers to keep themselves and others safe by planning their routes and giving themselves extra time for their journey. People are also advised to check for road closures or public transport delays and change plans if necessary.
There is also a yellow weather warning for rain in southern England from 6am on Wednesday until 8am on Thursday.
Heavy rain from Sussex and Kent to Cornwall could cause flooding and disruption to travel. However, it is possible to see snow in higher elevations in this region on Wednesday night.
According to the Met Office, up to 20mm of rain is expected fairly widely, with a few places near the south coast seeing 20-30mm and perhaps up to 50mm on Dartmoor.
Rain and snow will be accompanied by strong winds and large waves may affect some east-facing coasts, especially along the English Channel.
Here is the prediction of the week:
Today:
A cold and frosty start but for most today will be a dry and sunny day. A few showers may affect the far north and North Sea coast, with cloud and rain reaching the far southwest later.
Tonight:
Cloudy and rainy across the south-west into southern England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with some snowfall possible in the hills. Mostly with the development of dry and frost elsewhere.
Wednesday:
Mostly in Scotland and Northern England there is drought combined with sunshine. While rain and mostly snowfall on the hills are effective in the southern regions, windy weather prevails in the southern regions due to coastal storms. I feel cold.
Outlook from Thursday to Saturday:
Rain and snow clear the south on Thursday, leaving a mostly dry and bright day. The weather is getting lighter as of Friday, but rainy and windy weather is expected to move eastward.
This is a breaking story, more to come…
