Several parts of the UK are likely to shiver in cold as the Met Office issued a yellow warning of snow and ice for England and Scotland on Monday. Around eight regions in these areas may witness extreme cold temperatures with the possibility of hail, sleet and some snow throughout the day.
The forecaster has issued a yellow national severe weather warning for snow and ice for the north of Scotland and the Northern Isles from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning.
The Met office said that little snow is likely to settle at low levels by day, but through the evening and overnight, 1 to 3 cm may accumulate in some places within the warning area, whilst 5 to 10 cm is possible on high ground above 300 metres by Monday morning.
As temperatures fall overnight, ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces.
According to the Met Office, there is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected. Apart from this, untreated pavements and cycle paths become impassable due to the extreme conditions.
It stated: “There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off. There is a slight chance that bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times
“A small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces. There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel.”
In addition to the severe weather warnings, a Cold Health Alert has been issued by the UKHSA which provides alerts for the health sector in England. The warning from the UKHSA covers the Midlands and North of England and comes into effect between 9am on Sunday and 9am on Thursday.
It states that weather conditions are likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, and a greater risk to life of vulnerable people.
Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, said “We have issued yellow warnings for snow and ice as cold weather moves in from the north.
“This brings snow showers and some ice to parts of Scotland on Sunday night, and then the potential for a spell of snow to lead to disruption to some transport routes across a central swathe of the UK on Tuesday morning.
“Gusty winds in the east also remain a potential hazard. Updates to the warnings for wintry hazards are likely so it is important to stay up to date with the latest forecast”
