The Met Office has issued a warning that the harsh Arctic freeze is expected to persist for around a week, bringing frigid conditions to the UK. Daytime temperatures are forecasted to remain near or below freezing, with snowfall expected in some regions and widespread frost and icy conditions anticipated through the following week.
Neil Armstrong, the chief forecaster at the Met Office, stated that the current Arctic air mass covering most of the UK will result in extremely cold weather persisting through the weekend. Overnight temperatures could drop to double-digit negatives in some areas, while daytime temperatures are unlikely to rise above 0°C in certain places.
The temperature in Hurn, Dorset plummeted to -6.2°C on Thursday, with further drops expected. Various weather warnings are in place across the UK until Sunday, including an amber alert for heavy snow in northern and eastern Scotland, posing risks of drifting snow and widespread ice, particularly affecting drivers on Friday and Saturday.
A yellow warning for snow and ice on Saturday covers the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North East, where vehicles may face challenges, especially in rural areas. The Met Office website highlights an anticipated movement of sleet and snow across parts of England and Wales, potentially resulting in 1-5 cm of snow accumulation, along with the rapid development of icy patches after the snowfall clears.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised cold weather health alerts to “amber” in England, expressing concerns for the elderly and vulnerable populations facing the severe weather conditions. The agency predicts increased mortality rates among individuals aged 65 and above and those with long-term health issues due to the prolonged cold spell.
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