January 14th 2024.
The UK is bracing itself for a bout of snow this weekend and into next week, according to the Met Office. They have issued a warning that heavy snowfall is likely to sweep across more areas of the UK in the coming days. Currently, there are weather warnings in place for snow and ice in northern Scotland on Sunday, with the potential for a significant amount of snow to accumulate.
As the week progresses, the freezing Arctic blast that has been causing temperatures to plummet to -5°C is expected to spread further south and inland, causing potential travel disruptions and posing a risk for injuries. The Met Office's yellow alert will remain in place for parts of Scotland until Sunday night, while Northern Ireland will also be under a similar warning for the entirety of Monday.
The Met Office has predicted that parts of northern Scotland could see up to 10cm of snow over the next two days, with the possibility of drifting snow due to strong winds. Showers are expected to become more organised, with a chance of low-lying areas receiving up to 10cm of snow in just a few hours. As colder air continues to move south, snow is expected to fall at all levels throughout the day, with higher routes likely to see up to 5cm of snow and lower levels possibly receiving a few centimetres as well.
Looking ahead to next week, the Met Office's weather maps show that the snowstorm is likely to hit northern England, potentially affecting areas like Manchester, Lancashire, and Yorkshire on Tuesday. Even southern parts of the UK may see some snow on Wednesday. The Met Office has stated that as cold air remains in place, there is an increased chance of snow across many areas during the middle of next week.
According to Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Chris Bulmer, snow showers are expected to move inland from coasts exposed to northerly winds, with northern Scotland being the main focus. However, parts of the North Sea and Irish Sea coasts may also experience some snow. The Met Office is keeping an eye on two weather systems for Tuesday and Wednesday, which could potentially bring disruptive snow to certain regions. They are currently monitoring the situation and will provide more details in the coming days.
In addition to the cold weather, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold health alert, warning of potential significant impacts on the health and social care sector. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, urges people to check on their elderly friends, family, and neighbours to ensure they are prepared for the cold weather ahead. The low temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, especially for those over the age of 65 and with pre-existing health conditions.
Travellers are also being cautioned to take extra precautions when on the roads and rails. National Highways' national network manager, Amy Fellows, advises people to take the time to plan their journeys in advance and to be prepared for unexpected hazards like snow and ice. She also reminds motorists to follow the TRIP acronym: top-up their car's oil, water, and screen wash, rest every two hours, inspect their tyres and lights, and prepare by checking their route and the weather forecast.
Despite the cold snap, the worst of winter is yet to come, and it is important for everyone to take necessary precautions and look out for one another during these chilly times. Stay warm and stay safe, UK!
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