The UK is bracing for a significant cold snap, with the Met Office issuing an amber weather warning for snow and ice, effective from 6 pm Saturday until midday Sunday. This alert encompasses a large swathe of the country, including much of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland. The affected regions include the East Midlands, North West England, West Midlands, Yorkshire, parts of Wales, and London. The warning signals potential travel chaos and power outages due to the anticipated heavy snowfall and freezing rain. A separate amber warning is in place for northern England, running from 9 pm Saturday to midnight Sunday. Furthermore, a yellow warning for snow covers almost the entirety of the UK from Saturday afternoon. The combination of these warnings signifies a widespread and potentially disruptive weather event.
The Met Office forecasts heavy snowfall across the affected areas, with accumulations of 3-7cm expected in many regions and a substantial 15-30cm predicted over the higher ground of Wales and the Pennines. The added threat of freezing rain exacerbates the potential hazards, creating treacherous conditions on roads and pathways. This combination of heavy snow and freezing rain poses a significant risk to travel, potentially cutting off rural communities and rendering untreated paths impassable. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan emphasizes the persistence and localized intensity of the snowfall, highlighting the hazardous travel conditions anticipated due to the freezing rain before milder air begins to thaw the affected areas on Sunday morning.
The severe weather conditions have already impacted travel services, with rail companies such as Northern and ScotRail reporting delays and cancellations. In Wales, bus services have replaced trains on certain routes due to the adverse conditions. National Highways has issued guidance for motorists, advising the use of dipped headlights, gentle acceleration, and avoidance of sudden braking on icy roads. Pedestrians are also cautioned to exercise extreme care on untreated pavements and cycle paths. The combination of snow, ice, and freezing rain creates a particularly hazardous environment for all forms of travel, necessitating extra vigilance.
The plunging temperatures, reaching as low as -8C in some areas, have prompted public health officials to issue strong warnings, urging people, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, to stay indoors during the peak of the cold snap. Local authorities in Herefordshire have advised residents to stock up on essential supplies such as food and medicine. In London, councils have activated emergency shelters for rough sleepers to protect them from the freezing temperatures. Age UK has emphasized the importance of keeping heating on, even in the face of rising energy costs, particularly for pensioners, expressing concern over the potential impact of government winter fuel allowance cuts.
The severe weather conditions have already resulted in tragedy. A seven-month-old baby lost their life in a car accident on an icy stretch of the A1 in Lincolnshire. The car skidded off the road, hit a tree, and returned to the carriageway. The infant was rushed to hospital but sadly did not survive. A woman in the car sustained serious injuries, while two other passengers escaped with minor wounds. Police are investigating the possibility of icy conditions as a contributing factor to the accident, underscoring the dangers of travelling in such weather.
Looking ahead, the Met Office predicts a slight temperature increase on Sunday, providing a temporary reprieve before another cold snap early next week. Milder air is expected to move in during the second half of Sunday, with temperatures reaching single digits. However, the respite will be short-lived, as another icy blast is anticipated on Monday and Tuesday. Met Office expert Dan Stroud notes the expected temperature drop next week but anticipates improvement towards the latter part of the week. For now, the public is urged to prioritize safety, ensure they have essential supplies, and stay updated on weather forecasts as the UK endures the brunt of the severe cold weather.
