More parts of the UK are set to be battered with snowfall this week after the Met Office updated its severe weather warning yesterday, forecasting that the white stuff could even fall in southern England
The first snow of the season has fallen on the UK as a yellow weather warnings remain in place for several parts of the country.
Yesterday, the Met Office updated its severe weather warning – putting people in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on high alert as icy conditions, plummeting temperatures, and the white stuff are expected to grip the UK.
The national forecaster says the affected area could stretch even further south, with southern England to be blasted with a helping of snowfall. The yellow warnings were issued at around 4pm Sunday for Britain and will remain in place until Tuesday morning at around 10am. As the weather approaches freezing, people are being told to expect dangerous roads and paths and risks of power cuts and travel disruption.
This morning it’s clear that the forecaster’s predictions were right, as Brits capture the magical moment of snow falling for the first time this year on camera. Most of the images have been taken in Scotland, with Shetland and Aberdeenshire having received a healthy blanketing of snow.
The Met Office said that up to four inches of snow was expected overnight, with areas 984ft above sea level the most likely to suffer the chilly onslaught. Going into Tuesday night, there could be as much as eight inches in some elevated areas. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a Cold Health Alert for large swathes of England running from now until Thursday. It’s warned NHS services they could be under more string as a result of this.
The first weather alert mainly affects the Scottish Highlands and parts of Aberdeenshire until tomorrow morning, while a second alert for the country’s borders and much of northern England, as far down as Nottingham, and parts of northern Wales runs from 7pm tomorrow night until Tuesday.
Brits are being told to check the forecast before they travel so that they don’t find themselves in any tricky or dangerous situations. Other experts are advising people to check in on loved ones who may be vulnerable. In some areas, the temperature at midday on Tuesday will be just 1C. 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.”
While Age Scotland chief executive Katherine Crawford added: “Bad weather may make it difficult for people to get out for essential shopping or medical appointments, so we’d urge everyone to check in on older family, friends and neighbours during this period to find out if they need any extra support. A friendly phone call or an offer to help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or de-icing paths could be a lifeline for someone who feels isolated at home during this cold spell.”
The UKHSA health agency has issued yellow alerts for health trusts in the North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East. It warned: “Forecast weather is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services.”
