A biting cold is descending upon the UK, bringing with it the threat of treacherous ice and disruptive snowfall. A large swathe of northern England, stretching from Manchester to Newcastle, Carlisle and York, is under a yellow weather warning.
The alert, active from Thursday evening through Friday midday, signals a high probability of icy roads and significant travel disruption. Commuters and travelers should prepare for delays and exercise extreme caution.
Scotland faces a similar situation, with a snow and ice warning in effect during the same timeframe. Lower elevations could see a dusting of 1cm, while higher ground is predicted to accumulate up to 10cm of settled snow.
The Met Office warns that rain will transition to snow over higher hills, gradually lowering to affect lower levels throughout Thursday evening. Untreated surfaces will become particularly hazardous as temperatures plummet overnight.
While Wales may experience some light snowfall, the focus remains on the north. Further south, London and the rest of southern England are bracing for a significant temperature drop.
After a relatively mild Wednesday, Londoners can expect a chilly 4°C on Friday morning, plunging to a frigid 1°C on Saturday. However, the chance of substantial snow in the capital remains slim, with rain being the more likely outcome.
Forecasters suggest a possible mix of rain and snow on Friday afternoon, but anticipate, at best, a slushy centimeter of accumulation. The prevailing forecast leans towards continued wet weather.
A substantial band of wet weather is brewing in the Atlantic, poised to sweep across the UK on Sunday, following the current cold snap. This system adds to the existing concerns regarding flooding.
Currently, 82 flood warnings – indicating expected flooding – and 148 flood alerts – signifying possible flooding – are in place across England, with a concentration in already-saturated areas like Devon and Wiltshire.
Despite the generally bleak outlook, a glimmer of hope emerges for Londoners. Forecasters predict a sunny day on Sunday, offering a brief respite from the relentless rain and a chance to enjoy a rare moment of sunshine.
