The Met Office has given its verdict on an icy blast of “freezing rain” which is due to pelt parts of Britain within hours. A sudden cold snap has gripped the country and now meteorologists are predicting things may be on the cusp of getting worse.
Temperatures plummetted as low as -8C, with the Met Office issuing yellow weather warnings for ice last night. Snow blasted the UK yesterday, with some areas blanketed, while others remained relatively unaffected. However the big freeze has only just begun, according to weather forecasters.
Reports of the possibility of freezing rain emerged last night, suggesting that by midnight on Wednesday the north east of England and the Scottish Borders could take the brunt of the “rare” weather event.
According to experts at the Met Office, freezing rain can appear impressive to look at, but it can also be dangerous.
A spokesperson for the weather service told The Mirror: “It can produce striking effects, as the rain drop spreads out momentarily across the surface before it freezes, encasing the surface in a layer of clear ice.
“However, it is not just these eye-catching scenes which the freezing rain can bring; the weight of the ice can sometimes be heavy enough to bring down trees and power lines, and the glaze of ice on the ground effectively turns roads and pathways into an ice rink. The freezing rain can also prove extremely hazardous for aircraft.”
Freezing rain is more commonly seen in the US, with those living around the Central Appalachian mountains experiencing heavy rain and frozen droplets this week.
Tuesday, January 9 until Saturday, January 13
Headline:
Cold with sunny spells for most, risk of wintry showers.
Today:
Dry with sunny spells for most, especially across the south which will see long sunny periods. A few wintry showers possible, mainly in the northeast and southwest of England. Feeling cold especially in brisk winds across the south.
Tonight:
Scattered light coastal showers for northeastern England where it will often be cloudy. Dry elsewhere with clear spells leading to a widespread frost, severe in places. Breezy in the south.
Wednesday:
Remaining mostly dry with sunshine in the south. Cloudy with light rain and drizzle for northern parts, turning wintry over high ground. Staying cold throughout with temperatures below average.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Cloudier into the weekend with temperatures becoming slightly milder than in recent days. By Saturday, northerly winds bring in lower temperatures once again with the risk of wintry showers.
