The UK is set to face snow and ice the entire week as the country faces a “cold plunge of Arctic air” and a 530-mile snow bomb blasts the country.
The Met Office states it is “5C to 6C lower than usual” for this time of year and northern and eastern parts of Scotland have already seen the bulk of the snow, with 15cm on the ground at Aberdeen International Airport.
The weather experts at the Met Office said: “There’s a potential for some heavy persistent snow to affect some northern areas, particularly parts of Scotland today. Some of the heaviest snow will affect Northern Ireland and northern England.
“Further south, across England and Wales there will be plenty of winter sunshine but it will be cold with a chilly feel of 6C.”
Weather expert, Alex Burkill at the Met Office, said: “To the south, we will hold on to clear skies but temperatures will take a drop. Many places fall well below freezing. On Wednesday morning, the lowest temperatures are likely to be where we have significant lying snow across parts of Scotland, with regions heading into negative double figures.”
On Tuesday, there could be a “persistent band of snow” over three to six hours across Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales with temperatures down to -15C in a few spots.
Wednesday will cause potential “headaches” as the weather system could push northwards and reach southern counties meaning snow could also affect these areas.
Mr Burkill added: “As we head towards the end of the week, temperatures should start to lift a little, with unsettled weather to come.”
For most parts of the country, yellow weather warnings have been issued.
Parts of Scotland, northern England including Manchester, and Northern Ireland are all expected to be hit. The warnings are in place for the whole of Tuesday, and expanded areas in the north east including Newcastle.
The problems expected, according to the Met Office, are:
- Travel delays on roads stranding with potential for stranded vehicles and passengers
- Power cuts with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel
- Chances of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- Some rural communities could become cut off
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also placed a Cold Health Alert in force for England which highlights the possibility of significant impacts on the health and social care sector.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “The temperatures we will see can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.”
