UK Braces for Snow and Ice as Arctic Air Sweeps In
The UK is preparing for a blast of wintry weather, with snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures set to disrupt travel and daily life in the coming days. This comes after heavy rain caused severe flooding in parts of the country, leaving residents in Greater Manchester and Wales grappling with waterlogged homes and infrastructure damage.
Arctic air is spreading south across the UK, bringing an end to the mild conditions seen over the festive period. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, highlighting risks to motorists and pedestrians from icy surfaces and untreated roads. A separate warning for snow covers much of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland from Saturday through Monday morning.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen warned that standing water from recent floods will freeze overnight, creating hazardous conditions. Deputy Chief Forecaster Dan Holley added that milder air from the Atlantic clashing with the cold spell could bring significant snowfall to central and northern areas, with 5-30cm possible depending on elevation. Strong winds may lead to drifting, further complicating travel.
Saturday is expected to be the coldest day, with daytime temperatures ranging from -1°C to 2°C. In northern areas, the mercury could plunge as low as -10°C, with widespread frost and freezing fog overnight. These conditions are likely to persist into early next week, accompanied by a biting wind chill.
Flood-hit areas in the North West are still recovering after nearly a month’s worth of rain fell in just 48 hours. Greater Manchester Police declared a major incident, with rescue teams deployed to evacuate residents and assist stranded motorists. Flood warnings remain in place for parts of England, Scotland, and Wales, with alerts also issued for rivers like the Dee, Glaslyn, and Severn.
Amid the harsh weather, the Met Office has advised people to prepare for potential power cuts and travel disruptions. Essential items like warm clothing, food, blankets, and phone chargers should be kept handy. Drivers are urged to plan routes carefully, check for delays, and pack safety kits in their vehicles.
The cold snap isn’t unusual for January, but the mix of snow, ice, and flooding increases the likelihood of rural communities being cut off, school closures, and delays across road, rail, and air networks. The snow forecast remains uncertain, with small temperature shifts potentially altering rain and snow boundaries.
This winter blast follows a turbulent start to the year. New Year’s celebrations in parts of the UK were overshadowed by high winds and heavy rain, delaying events like London’s New Year’s Day Parade. Residents in affected areas are being urged to stay informed as weather warnings evolve in the coming days.
With extensive snowfall expected across the Midlands, northern England, and high ground in Wales and the Pennines, officials are closely monitoring the situation. The public is advised to stay up to date with Met Office warnings to navigate the unpredictable conditions ahead.
