The Met Office has issued urgent yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, spanning 42 hours across a three-day period. The alerts affect parts of Scotland and northern England, with potential travel disruptions and safety hazards expected.
Timeline of Alerts
- Sunday: The first warning begins at 4pm, covering northern Scotland, and continues until 11am on Monday.
- Monday to Tuesday: A new alert starts at 10am Monday for northern England and southern Scotland, lasting 24 hours until 10am Tuesday. A second warning for Scotland reactivates at 4pm Monday, ending at 10am Tuesday.
Met Office predictions
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The Met Office warns of rain, sleet, and snow, with the heaviest accumulations expected on high ground:
- 5-10 cm of snow above 300m.
- 15-20 cm possible above 400m.
Lower levels could see up to 5-10 cm, although this is less certain and could prove highly disruptive. Ice formation on untreated surfaces is also likely as conditions clear Tuesday morning.
Potential impact
The yellow alerts highlight risks including:
- Slippery Surfaces: Untreated pavements and cycle paths may become impassable.
- Travel Delays: Disruptions on road and rail networks.
- Power and Services: Small chances of power outages and mobile coverage issues.
- Rural Communities: Some areas may face temporary isolation due to snow and ice.
- Injuries: Increased risks of slips and falls.
Expert insights
A Met Office spokesperson noted a “major change” in the weather, with an early winter cold spell arriving this weekend. “By Sunday, low-pressure moves in, bringing unsettled and much colder weather,” they said.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks described the cold snap as “notable,” emphasizing that the entire UK is “likely to experience several days of cold, potentially disruptive weather next week.”
Stay updated with the latest forecasts to plan and minimize disruption.
