A biting chill has descended upon the UK, bringing with it the threat of widespread snow and treacherous ice. Northern England and Scotland are bracing for the brunt of the weather, as alerts went into effect Thursday evening and extend through Friday midday.
A substantial swathe of northern England, encompassing major cities like Manchester, Newcastle, Carlisle, and York, is under a yellow weather warning. Residents are urged to prepare for disruption to travel, with icy patches expected on roads and potential delays to rail services.
Scotland faces a similar situation, anticipating settled snow accumulations ranging from a dusting of 1cm on lower ground to a significant 10cm in the highlands. Untreated roads and pathways will become particularly hazardous, demanding extreme caution.
The Met Office warns that rain will transition to snow over higher elevations initially, then gradually descend to lower levels throughout Thursday evening. Above 200 meters, 2 to 5 centimeters of snow is possible, with isolated areas above 300 meters potentially seeing up to 10 centimeters.
While Wales may experience some light snowfall, the focus remains firmly on the north. Further south, London and the rest of southern England are expected to remain largely wet, though temperatures are set to plummet.
Londoners enjoyed a relatively mild Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 12°C, but a dramatic shift is on the horizon. Friday morning will greet residents with a chilly 4°C, dropping to a frigid 1°C on Saturday.
Despite the cold, the chance of significant snowfall in the capital remains slim. Forecasters predict a mix of rain and perhaps a slushy centimeter of snow at best. The prevailing forecast leans towards continued rainfall.
Looking ahead, a large weather system is gathering in the Atlantic, poised to sweep across the UK on Sunday, bringing with it more widespread wet weather. This follows a period of already significant rainfall and flooding.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 82 flood warnings – indicating expected flooding – and 148 flood alerts – suggesting possible flooding – were in place across England. Devon and Wiltshire, already saturated from recent storms, are particularly vulnerable.
However, a glimmer of hope emerges from the bleak forecast. Forecasters predict a sunny day on Sunday, offering a brief respite from the relentless rain and a chance to enjoy a welcome break in the weather.
