UK weather: Blizzard conditions forecast as Met Office issues amber and yellow warnings
Blizzard conditions are set to hit parts of the UK as multiple amber and yellow winter weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place across the country.
The Met Office has issued four yellow snow and ice warnings across northern Scotland and six yellow snow and ice warnings across the rest of England and Northern Ireland, stretching from the south-west of England.
Scotland has been warned to prepare for the worst weather as amber snow warnings cover Aberdeen, Aviemore in the Cairngorms and Ullapool, Ross-shire, until 10am on Monday, with forecasts of heavy snowfall, school closures and travel disruption.
Up to 30cm of snow accumulation can be expected in parts of Scotland on Monday morning; Strong winds may cause further snow drifts and temporary blizzards. The yellow warning for snow and ice covers most of Scotland north of Glasgow and ends at midnight on Monday.
Separate yellow warnings for snow and ice are in place for Wales, Northern Ireland, Greater Manchester, much of the east coast and south-west England. Parts of Yorkshire and Wales could see 5 to 8 cm of snow. The mercury fell as low as -8C in Cheshire this morning, with temperatures peaking at 4C in south-west England later on Monday as the cold weather continued across England.
Matthew Lehnert, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “As we head into the first full working week of the year, we face the threat of a string of wintry snow showers and ice.
“In the north of Scotland, snow showers are expected to become more frequent on Sunday night, with some places in the Amber warning zones expected to accumulate a further 20 to 30cm of snow by Monday morning.
“Occasional showers of snow, ice and frost are expected elsewhere in the UK, but milder weather will try to spread eastwards from Tuesday. This will mean there will be an increased chance of rain in the south, but there is also the possibility of more organized snow along the border of temperate and cold air masses. Strong winds may also be a feature later in the week.”
travel interruption
Severe weather has closed hundreds of schools across England, with the Met Office warning that travel could be affected in affected areas and some rural areas could be cut off entirely.
Dozens of flights scheduled to depart from Aberdeen International Airport have been cancelled, according to the website. Glasgow Airport also experienced some disruption on Monday, with five flights canceled.
Train lines also experienced problems due to weather conditions; ScotRail has warned that routes around Aberdeen and Inverness could be disrupted for much of Monday.
Network Rail Scotland said the Aberdeen-Dundee, Aberdeen-Inverness, Inverness-Wick/Thurso and Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh lines were unlikely to operate until midday due to heavy, drifting snow.
Scottish transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We have already seen challenging conditions and freezing temperatures; profit and icing is on the way for those same areas.
“Of course, for most people, Monday means returning to work after the holidays. If you must travel, please make sure your vehicle is winter-ready and keep a winter kit in your car.”
“Follow Police Scotland’s travel advice. If you can postpone your journey until the amber warning expires, please do so.”
“I would also like to thank workers such as shredders, chainsaw gangs, police officers and many other frontline staff who have been working in appalling conditions over the last few days and the next 48 hours.”
Health warnings available
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow cold health alerts for the whole of England until Tuesday, warning there could be significant impacts to health and social care services, including an increase in deaths, particularly for those aged 65 and over or with underlying health conditions.
UKHSA’s head of extreme events and health protection, Dr. Agostinho Sousa said: “As cold weather sets in, it is vital to check on your most vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.
“Predicted temperatures could have a serious impact on some people’s health, leading to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and chest infection, especially for those over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
Yellow snow and ice warnings will be in force until midnight on Tuesday across Scotland and until 11am on the east coast and south-west of England. Sleet is expected in the North on Tuesday morning, moving towards the South in the evening, as the Met Office predicts a mix of rain, sleet and snow will drift across the country, with the risk of strong winds.
Met Office’s five-day weather forecast
Monday
Many places will remain dry with sunny weather on Monday. Snow showers will continue in Scotland, Northern Ireland and some coastal areas. Very cold, with a strong wind chill at times.
Very cold at night due to widespread frost and icing. It remains dry and clear in the south, but becomes cloudier as the snow band progresses north.
Tuesday
Another cold day in the north with a mix of rain, sleet and snow. Drier in the south with sunny skies before rain, sleet and snow showers in the evening.
Wednesday to Friday
We stay cold with frontal systems coming from the west. Along with the risk of strong winds, occasional rain, sleet and snowfall will be effective throughout the country.
