Snow forecast hits Scottish schools and cold health alerts in place for England | UK weather
With winter weather warnings in place across the UK, many people returning to work and education after the Christmas holidays will be greeted by transport delays, difficult driving conditions and school closures.
Four yellow warnings Heavy snowfall continues in northern Scotland until Monday morning, while yellow snow and ice warnings cover Northern Ireland, Wales and large parts of England.
Forecasters said up to 30cm of snow could fall overnight in Scotland’s highlands and people living in amber warning zones could expect disruption to travel and the possibility of communications being cut off to rural communities.
Schools in the Shetland Islands closed on monday Schools in Aberdeen will not open until 11 am.
loganair canceled their flights On Sunday, Inverness and Aberdeen airports offered passengers the opportunity to change their schedules free of charge.
Transport Scotland has urged drivers to plan their journeys carefully, allowing extra time if necessary and “driving appropriately for the conditions”.
Police Scotland deputy chief constable Alan Waddell said: “Heavy snowfall and icy forecasts mean driving conditions are likely to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider whether your journey is truly essential during weather warnings.”
Scottish transport minister Fiona Hyslop said: “We have already seen challenging conditions and freezing temperatures with more snow and ice on the way in the same areas. Of course, for many Mondays it means a return to work after the bank holiday. If you must travel please make sure your car is winter ready and have a winter kit in your car.”
He thanked police, chainsaw gangs, police and others throughout the weekend.
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said there would be showers of snow, ice and frost elsewhere in the UK, but from Tuesday “mild weather will attempt to spread eastwards”.
He added: “This will mean there will be a higher chance of rain in the south, but there is also the possibility of more organized snowfall along the border of temperate and cold air masses. Strong winds may also be a feature later in the week.”
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow cold health warnings across England until Tuesday.
Agostinho Sousa, the agency’s head of extreme events and health protection, said it was vital to contact family, friends and neighbors who are most vulnerable.
He said: “Predicted temperatures could have a serious impact on some people’s health, leading to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and chest infections, particularly for those over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
