Cold weather continues to influence the UK, as significant snowfall and icy conditions are expected across various regions. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds. This warning indicates snowfall predictions of 15-25cm on higher ground, potentially causing notable disruptions.
Current Weather Conditions
As the temperatures dropped below zero overnight, snow and ice have affected many areas. Notably, overnight temperatures reached:
- -6.1°C in Warcop, Cumbria
- -5.8°C in Sennybridge, Wales
- -4.8°C in Drumnadrochit, Scotland
- -2.8°C in Altnahinch Filters, Northern Ireland
Despite these low temperatures, daytime highs are expected between 2°C and 6°C across most of the UK.
Health Alerts and Warnings
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued cold-health alerts for England, indicating potential impacts on vulnerable populations, including the elderly. These alerts will remain in effect until Saturday.
Additional yellow warnings for snow and ice cover other areas, including parts of:
- Cornwall and Devon
- Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea
- North East England and SW Scotland
- Central and northern Scotland
- Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Lincolnshire
- Northern Ireland
These regions may expect 2-5cm of snow, with higher altitudes potentially receiving 10-20cm.
Travel Considerations
Due to the adverse weather, travel could be disrupted. National Rail suggests potential speed restrictions in snow-impacted areas, which might lead to cancellations or delays. North Yorkshire Council is actively gritting priority roads, though they advise caution as surfaces may remain hazardous.
Thundersnow Possibility
Forecasters warn of the possibility of thundersnow in some areas, particularly in the North York Moors and Scottish Highlands. This phenomenon occurs when thunderstorms generate heavy snow instead of rain.
The amber warning remains active from 03:00 to 21:00 GMT on Thursday, forecasting significant snowfall throughout the day.
Looking Ahead
Following this cold snap, conditions are expected to improve over the weekend with milder temperatures anticipated by Saturday.
As the weather shifts, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety during travel. The UK is witnessing a notable cold spell, emphasizing the need for awareness and preparation among the public.
