Met Office issues weather warnings for snow across UK as temperatures to plunge
Outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow are expected in many parts of the UK as numerous weather warnings come into force.
Two yellow alerts will come into effect in Scotland and Northern England from Thursday evening; It will bring freezing temperatures, up to 10cm of snow and possible travel disruptions, and a cold health warning will also be issued.
However, the incessant rains that have ravaged the country in recent weeks may be interrupted for a short time.
The Met Office has issued a yellow snow and ice warning for Scotland from 4pm on Thursday, and for the East Midlands, North East England, North West England, West Midlands and the Yorkshire and Humber regions from 7pm. Both warnings are scheduled to be lifted at noon on Friday.
Chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: “Snow settling will be mainly confined to higher ground. In Scotland and Northern England, places above 200 meters could see 2-5cm of snow, but places above 300 meters could see double these amounts, up to 10cm.”
“Once the rain and snow clears to the south, temperatures will drop rapidly under clear skies, which can lead to ice formation on untreated surfaces.”
Some roads and railways are likely to be affected, potentially delaying travel. The Met Office also warned of injuries from slips and falls.
While temperatures are expected to drop below 0C in some areas on Thursday and Friday, the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold warning.
From 6am on Friday until 8am on Monday, areas including the East Midlands, North East, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber will be under alert.
Temperatures in Cumnock in East Ayrshire could drop as low as -4C on Friday night.
The agency said the weather conditions were likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of health services by vulnerable people facing life-threatening conditions.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “The Arctic Maritime air mass moving southwards throughout this week will impact cooler UK weather.
“This cold spell is likely to be short-lived as longer-term indications come in that the weather will be further influenced by Atlantic conditions later in the weekend.”
Weekly weather forecast from Meteorology
Today
Rain from the north pushes southwards, allowing for brighter skies in Scotland. However, there are snow showers in the northeast. Continuous rain in Wales and south-east England and snow on hills across northern England. Sunny spells in the southwest. The cold is increasing in the north.
Tonight
While rain and snow on the hills gradually move south, clearer precipitation develops in the north. Areas of widespread frost and icing are developing. Variable clouds and showers in the south.
Friday
Northern Ireland and Scotland are seeing some sunshine as the rain continues to move south. There is snowfall on the coasts. Cloudy and rainy weather will continue across the south, but skies will clear later.
Outlook from Saturday to Monday
There are bright skies and sunny weather on Saturday, but it feels much colder than recent days. The weather will be rainy on Sunday, with widespread snowfall possible in the north. We’re undecided until next week.
