UK weather live: More snow forecast to fall as temperatures plunge amid Met Office warning
Snow has now fallen across parts of the UK following the coldest night of the year since last winter
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More snow has been forecast to fall across parts of the UK as temperatures plunge and the Met Office issues several weather earnings.
On Monday, Snow dusted grounds across Scotland in Aberdeenshire, as well as in the Cairngorms. It also blanketed the mountain of Ingleborough, while frost covered berries in bushes near Clapham, in the Yorkshire Dales.
Cold temperatures, ice and further snow feature on the forecast for the coming days in what the Met Office deemed is the country’s “first taste of winter”.
Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for snow and ice are currently in place until Wednesday, affecting parts of Scotland, the whole of Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England, north Wales and the north Midlands.
The forecasters added that updates to the alerts throughout the week are likely to be issued, as they warned of delays to journeys as a result of the snow.
Disruptive snow is expected to fall on Tuesday morning, impacting morning rush hour commuters, the Met Office said. Rail companies have also warned passengers that their journeys will likely be disrupted in the coming days.
Where are the weather warnings issued?
The Met Office issued several yellow weather warnings for snow and ice for parts of the UK and will likely issue further alerts.
On Monday, a warning comes into force at 3pm and is in place until 10am on Tuesday covering Northern Ireland.
Another yellow alert comes into effect at 4pm and is in place until 10am on Wednesday, covering areas in Scotland, and a third goes live at 7pm and lasts until 10am on Tuesday covering areas in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the north of England.
Met Office warns of freezing night ahead
The Met Office has urged people to grab their extra blankets as it warned of a freezing night ahead.
The forecasters shared the temperatures Britons across the country can expect this evening - with temperatures plummeting to as far below freezing as -8C in Scotland.
Though temperatures will not fall as low in the far south, residents in these areas will be facing strong winds with a risk of coastal gales
Issue warned for older people as temperatures plummet
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season and, along with charity Age UK, warned that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.
The amber warning covers the east and north of England, midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, with yellow alerts coming into place for the South East, South West and London at 8am on Tuesday, lasting until 6pm on Saturday.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”
Rail journeys likely to be disrupted
As more snow is expected to fall in areas of the UK, rail companies are warning passengers that their journeys may be disrupted.
TransPennine Express have given customers an option to use tickets bought for this evening or tomorrow on Wednesday instead if they wish to change their travel plans due to the forecast.
Northern told passengers that Network Rail teams were on standby as they told customers that the weather may cause some disruption.
Met Office forecast:
This Evening and Tonight:
Rain and snow will affect Northern Ireland, England and Wales, the snow more especially over high ground across Northern Ireland, Northern England and North Wales. Scotland will have clear periods, with wintry showers in the north. Turning icy in places.
Tuesday:
Rain and snow will clear eastwards to leave plenty of sunshine tomorrow. Wintry showers feeding into areas exposed to the cold northerly winds, that wind gusty near North Sea coasts.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Remaining cold with a mix of sunshine and wintry showers. Widespread, locally severe night frosts, with ice forming in places. Feeling especially raw in the breeze.
Roads to be gritted ahead of more forecast snow
National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, Darren Clark said: “Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.
“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.
“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”
Met Office warns of travel disruption
The Met Office has warned commuters that their journeys may be disrupted this evening and tomorrow morning after snow fell in some parts of the country.
The forecasters said on social media: “If you’re planning to be on the road, take extra care and be prepared for difficult driving conditions.”
Weather to turn ‘much colder’ this week
As the snow showers expected to fall on Monday night clear, things are about to get colder for much of the UK, the Met Office has said.
It revealed that daytime temperatures will be in the low single figures for most, potentially slightly less cold in the far south, though sub-zero wind chill is likely.
Despite the cold temperatures, there will be a good deal of sunshine away from the wintry showers near the coasts.
How to keep your dog safe and warm as the winter snow and ice sets in
Temperatures are due to drop dramatically over the coming days and we need to be mindful about how this chilly weather may affect our pets.
The Met Office has issued several yellow weather warnings for snow and ice for parts of the UK this week, so it’s important to prepare our dogs, as well as ourselves, for this forecast.
From diet to grooming, here are some things to bear in mind to keep your four-legged friends safe and well this winter…
- Keep their paws well-groomed: Paws are very sensitive to temperature changes, so try to give them some extra care and attention this winter.
- Be aware of winter hazards: Antifreeze is great for defrosting your car in a hurry, but make sure you keep it out of reach from your pets.
- Shovel the garden: If it snows this year, consider shovelling a patch of grass so your dog can go to the toilet comfortably and not get too cold.,
- Try to avoid overfeeding them: The winter months can lead to a reduction in the amount of activity your dog gets and can result in them piling on the pounds.
- Keep them active: Play fetch in the living room to keep your dog active if your dog doesn’t want to venture outside in the cold.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments