Heavy snow and thick ice are set to cover large parts of the UK through the weekend and may even continue beyond that, as the Met Office has expanded its weather warnings. Forecasters say freezing conditions will not ease quickly, with disruption expected across the country.
Scotland will face the harshest weather. Amber snow warnings began there from Friday afternoon, while yellow snow and ice alerts remain active across much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland until Monday.
Up to 40 cm of snow expected in some areas
The Met Office said some parts of Scotland could receive as much as 40cm (15 inches) of snow on Friday alone. In England and Wales, snowfall of up to 5cm is expected in several regions.
Because of the extreme cold and snowfall, people should prepare for rail and flight cancellations, road blockages and possible power cuts.
Warnings extended until Monday
Yellow warnings for snow and ice began at midnight on Thursday and cover wide areas of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Although some of these warnings were originally meant to end on Saturday, the Met Office has now issued a new set of alerts that will last until Monday.
The amber warnings in Scotland are scheduled to stay in place until midday on Saturday.
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Blizzard conditions in parts of Scotland
The Met Office has warned that some Scottish regions could experience “blizzard conditions”. The areas most at risk include Angus, Perth and Kinross, Grampian, Aberdeenshire, Moray and parts of the Highlands. These places may face power cuts, and vehicles could become stranded due to deep snow and strong winds.
To deal with the snow, Scotland’s snowplough and gritting fleet has been sent out. The vehicles, with playful names like Sir Andy Flurry, Robert Brrrns and Plougher O’Scotland, are working across the road network to keep routes open.
Road accidents and travel warnings
National Highways reported several crashes in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire as icy roads made driving dangerous. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes where possible.
Drivers are also being urged to plan journeys carefully and to carry emergency supplies. These include warm clothes, water, a blanket and an ice scraper in case they get stuck.
Cold Arctic air behind the freeze
Very cold Arctic air is sweeping across the UK, pushing temperatures far below normal and increasing the chances of snow showers and icy conditions.
Met Office forecaster Neil Armstrong said the cold weather “could last well into next week” and warned that “wintry hazards will continue with more weather warnings likely”.
Health risks rise as temperatures drop
Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that the “bitingly cold snap” could put extra strain on NHS hospitals. He urged people to only visit A&E for emergencies.
The UK Health Security Agency also said freezing temperatures can seriously affect health. Cold weather raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, especially for people over 65 and those with existing health problems. Icy surfaces also increase the risk of falls and injuries.
