A biting cold has descended upon a small Norfolk village, a prelude to a much larger wintry blast sweeping across England and Wales. Temperatures have already plummeted, and the forecast promises significant snowfall this week, driven by the fierce winds of Storm Goretti.
Thursday will bring a dramatic shift in weather for southern England, with heavy wind and snow anticipated. The storm, currently raging over northern France, is poised to unleash its fury, creating hazardous conditions and potential disruption.
A yellow weather warning is now in effect, covering a vast area from Sheffield and Peterborough to Bath and Worcester, and extending across much of Wales. This warning, active from 6pm Thursday to midday Friday, signals a high probability of substantial snowfall.
The change will begin over the higher ground of South Wales late Thursday, with rain quickly transitioning to snow. Overnight, this snowfall is expected to become widespread across England and Wales, blanketing the landscape in white.
Accumulations could vary significantly, with some areas facing 5-10cm of settled snow, while others brace for as much as 20cm. The potential for deep drifts and treacherous conditions is very real.
Beyond the snow, Storm Goretti threatens strong winds in the southwest, prompting a separate yellow warning for Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly. This warning is in place from 3pm Thursday until just before midnight.
The recent snowfall has already demonstrated its power, with parts of the UK, like Loch Glascarnoch, recording accumulations of up to 36cm. Overnight temperatures are expected to plummet, potentially reaching a frigid minus 12C in areas covered by snow.
The Met Office cautions that rural communities are particularly vulnerable, facing the risk of being cut off by the heavy snow. Mobile phone coverage could also be affected, adding to the challenges.
Travel is expected to be severely disrupted, with potential cancellations across road, rail, and air networks. The conditions demand extreme caution and careful planning.
The UK Health Security Agency has extended amber cold health alerts, recognizing the significant impact these temperatures will have on health and well-being. The alert remains in effect until Sunday, urging vigilance and protective measures.
Even London experienced a taste of the winter weather, with flurries of snow briefly dusting the city, a stark reminder of the conditions rapidly approaching.
The hills surrounding Marham are already transformed, cloaked in thick snow and glistening ice, a breathtaking but potentially dangerous scene.
