Multiple snow and ice warnings across the UK

The Met Office has said that an amber cold health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the North West of England, North East of England, Yorkshire and The Humber. A yellow warning is in place for other areas, meaning impacts are probable across the health and social care sector.

Arctic air plunges southwards today (Monday), bringing a cold but sunny day for many. Conditions turn wintry in the north, as a frontal system moves across southeast Scotland, bringing a mix of rain, sleet and snow across Scotland tonight and into Tuesday.

Multiple Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for ice and snow affecting parts of Scotland and northern England from Monday to Thursday have been issued.

By Wednesday, we’ll all be firmly under the colder Arctic airmass, with a strong and very cold northerly flow making temperatures feel even colder.

Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree explained: “Wednesday to Friday will be the coldest part of the week, and this period has the greatest potential for impactful weather, with multiple warnings in place. Overnight, temperatures could get down to minus ten, with a significant wind chill from the strong northerly wind making things feel even colder.

“Wintry snow showers are expected to extend south through Wednesday and into Thursday, mainly affecting north facing coastal areas. Snow accumulations are possible, including 2-5 cm to some low-lying areas in the north and east where showers are frequent. On hills in parts of Northern Ireland, the northeast of England and Scotland, 5-10 cm of snow could fall and accumulations of 15-20cm are possible above 300 metres in parts of northeastern England and Scotland.

“Although many places will see plenty of sunshine, daytime temperatures will be well-below average, with a widespread frost setting in during the evening, especially in sheltered areas.

“With sub-zero temperatures in the first ‘cold snap’ of the year, updates to the current warnings are possible, so its important people keep up to date with the forecast.”