The Met Office has issued a flood of weather warnings ahead of a week which will see the UK battered by snow and ice. The weather alerts cover the length and breadth of the UK from East Anglia to north Wales, from Northern Ireland to northern Scotland.
The Met Office’s warnings are in response to the severe winter weather the UK is experiencing which could see temperatures plummet to as low as minus 10 in the coming days.
Furthermore, the cold weather will also pose a danger to the rail and road network as the roads become icy and travel disruption becomes more likely.
Experts have warned people to try and stay warm and be prepared if they take the UK’s streets during this cold period.
In East Anglia, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice. They explained: “Snow showers and then ice leading to some disruption to travel during Monday.”
In the northwest, they have issued a yellow warning for ice around Liverpool, St Asaph, and west of Stoke on Trent. They said: Wintry showers falling onto cold surfaces leading to some icy stretches this morning.”
The entirety of Northern Ireland is under a yellow warning for snow and ice which will come in the form of snow showers and “bring some disruption”.
On the yellow warning for snow and ice in the north of Scotland, the Met Office warned that frequent snow showers would “likely cause further disruption to travel on Monday”.
Speaking about the intense patch of cold weather this week, deputy chief meteorologist for the Met Office Chris Bulmer said: “The focus of snow showers will be over northern Scotland, but parts of the North Sea and Irish Sea coasts may also see some snow at times.
“There are a couple of weather systems for Tuesday and Wednesday which we are keeping an eye on that bring the potential for disruptive snow for some regions. With cold air firmly in place, any weather systems that move across the country next week will bring mainly snowfall inland.
“Models are currently showing us a variety of options for both systems and we’ll be able to add more details to in the coming days.”
As the cold weather sets in, the UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency) warned about the danger to health, particularly for those over the age of 65.
Dr Agostinho Sousa explained: “The temperatures we will see leading into the weekend can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
“It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week.”
National Network Manager for the National Highways Amy Fellows warned: “Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as snow and ice, so take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected.
“National Highways also reminds motorists to keep TRIP in mind ahead of journeys – Top-up: oil, water, screen wash; Rest: rest every two hours; Inspect: Inspect tyres and lights and Prepare: check your route and the weather forecast.”
Today:
Plenty of winter sunshine on offer with scattered snow showers around windward coasts, these mostly falling as snow across Northern Ireland and Scotland. Feeling cold with brisk winds in the north and along eastern coasts bringing significant wind chill.
Tonight:
Temperatures dropping quickly after sunset, leading to a widespread and in places a severe frost. Mostly dry with clear skies for many, but snow showers continue in the north.
Tuesday:
Cold and frosty for all with showers continuing near windward coasts. An area of more significant rain, sleet and snow affecting northern areas during the day. Elsewhere dry and sunny.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Cold with sunshine and wintry showers, with overnight frosts and ice. Snow showers continuing for windward coasts throughout the week. Temperatures starting to recover late Friday as rain arrives.
