The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for snow and ice as an early winter cold snap hits the UK. Forecasters are predicting up to 20cm of snow to hit the UK in the coming days, with the worst-affected areas at risk of power cuts and disruption to road and public transport as temperatures drop during the severe weather.
The first yellow alert is in place in parts of northern Scotland, specifically Orkney and Shetland, where up to 10cm of snow may accumulate on higher ground by Monday morning. This warning will remain active until 11 am on Monday. From Monday evening, a second warning will cover areas in the East Midlands, Yorkshire, Wales, and the north of England, starting at 7 pm on Monday and lasting until 10 am on Tuesday.
According to the Met Office, a period of rain, sleet, and snow is expected to occur during Monday evening, overnight into Tuesday morning. The snow is likely to accumulate on hills, with 5 to 10 cm possible above 200 meters and up to 15 to 20 cm above 300 meters. There is a small chance of snow settling at lower levels, which could be more disruptive with 5 to 10 cm accumulation, but this possibility remains uncertain. As the precipitation clears on Tuesday morning, icy conditions may form on untreated surfaces.
Met Office meteorologist, Tom Morgan, emphasized that it will be “very cold for the time of year,” with widespread overnight frosts and snow settling in some areas. Overnight minimum temperatures in the North could drop to as low as -8C, possibly even hitting -10C, which is quite unusual for November. To prepare for the wintry weather, the public is advised to ensure their cars are suitable for icy and snowy conditions, and to carry extra supplies such as food, blankets, and a fully charged mobile phone on journeys.
The areas covered by the snow and ice warning from Sunday 4 pm to Monday 11 am include Grampian, Highlands & Eilean Siar, and Orkney & Shetland. The warning from Monday 7 pm to Tuesday 10 am covers East Midlands, North East England, North West England, South West Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber.
Residents in these areas should be prepared for challenging weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during this cold snap. Stay updated on weather forecasts and follow any advice or alerts provided by local authorities to navigate through the winter weather effectively.
