The Met Office has issued a warning for significant snowfall hitting the UK today, coinciding with a prolonged cold spell dropping temperatures to -10C.
The onset of the new year has brought frigid subzero conditions across the nation, with initial snow flurries appearing last night and multiple weather alerts in place for the next four days.
These warnings for snow and ice, covering all regions of the UK, feature two amber alerts currently active and scheduled to continue until midday on Monday, signaling a prolonged period of cold weather extending through much of the upcoming week.
According to forecasts by the Met Office, a blast of cold air from the Arctic is responsible for the sudden drop in temperatures, creating a sustained period of chillier conditions where many areas are expected to remain below freezing throughout the day.
Met Office’s Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks emphasized the current Arctic influence on the weather, stating that snow and ice warnings are active, particularly in northern Scotland and elevated terrains elsewhere, while many inland regions will experience predominantly clear and sunny conditions.
Hicks further warned about the persistent cold spell expected to linger over the weekend and into the following week, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above freezing in some areas and nighttime lows dropping into double negative figures in certain locations.
The public is advised to stay informed about the weather updates, as icy roads and slippery surfaces pose risks that require careful planning and awareness.
A weather radar map from WXCharts indicates temperatures plummeting to -10C in parts of Scotland by Monday evening, with below-freezing conditions extending across the country, including southern England.
Anticipated snowfall is likely to accumulate in northern and central regions within the next 48 hours, alongside widespread ice formation that heightens the potential for travel disruptions throughout the weekend and into the following week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for England until January 6th, as cold-related health issues are expected to exacerbate existing winter pressures on the NHS.
Dr. Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, stressed the importance of checking on vulnerable individuals during the cold spell, as plummeting temperatures elevate health risks, particularly for older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.
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