UK weather: Met Office issues SIX yellow warnings as parts of Britons blanketed by heavy snow
The Met Office has issued fresh yellow weather warnings across the UK, with ice alerts covering much of southern England, the Midlands and eastern Wales.
Several other warnings for snow and ice remain in force across Britain, as Arctic conditions continue to grip the nation.
Forecasters have warned that vehicles could become stranded, power cuts may occur and rural communities risk being cut off as some places face being covered with 20cm of snow.
The warnings come as temperatures plunged to -11.2C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, marking one of the coldest November days on record.
Heavy snowfall was widely reported on Tuesday, with 12cm of lying snow recorded at Watnall, Nottinghamshire, as an Arctic airmass influenced the UK’s weather. More than 200 schools were forced to close across the country due to the severe conditions.
Thousands of train passengers faced disruption, with services cancelled and delayed, particularly across northern England. In Aberdeenshire, a Stagecoach bus toppled onto its side with a passenger on board in icy conditions.
The Met Office warned that snow showers developing overnight could be heavy at times and accompanied by lightning in some areas.
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said: “We’ve had a fairly mild November so far. So it’ll feel like that first taste of winter for many with that snow and ice risk layered on top.”
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He added that while the highest snow accumulations would be seen in Scotland’s mountains, with up to 20cm possible, even small amounts could cause problems.
However, while the weather is set to get warmer towards the end of the week, the UK is set to be hit with high wings and heavy rain.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “A deep area of low pressure looks likely to influence the UK’s weather this weekend. While this will bring in milder air to most parts, it also brings with it some heavy rain and strong winds at times. It’s too early for precise detail, but there’s a potential for further warnings.”
Temperatures are expected to rise from the southwest this weekend, potentially reaching 16C in the East of England by Sunday.
The change will be particularly noticeable along the south coast of England, where gusts could exceed 40mph from Hampshire to East Sussex.
Heavy downpours are forecast across north Wales, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and parts of West Yorkshire.
National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, Darren Clark, advised drivers to exercise caution despite ongoing gritting operations.
“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,” he said.
He also urged motorists to maintain safe distances and reduce speeds, noting that ice patches can form even when snow isn’t settling.