The Met Office has warned that eight inches of snow could hit parts of Britain on arctic ice of -4C.
Forecasters have warned that the cold weather is likely to cause travel chaos with “disruptive snow and ice” expected to batter the UK today and overnight.
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A car struggles through the snow as it hits the Scottish Highlands todayCredit: Northpix
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A driver was stuck on a flooded road in Cambridgeshire on Sunday morning after the New Bedford River burst its banksCredit: Bav Media
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Wild swimmers break the ice on the frozen water for a Sunday morning swim at Avon LagoonCredit: SWNS
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The Met Office has warned of 20cm of snow in parts of the UK
Winds are expected to start dropping today, and travelers will wake up Monday to a blanket of ground, the weather service says.
The Met Office has warned that snow and ice will hit Scotland, northern England, parts of Wales and the West Midlands from Tuesday, with up to 4 inches of snow likely.
However, forecasters warn that up to 20 cm – 8 inches – of snow is likely in areas “perhaps locally” this week.
Snow and ice warnings are in place for much of this week, with Britons also warned to expect gale-force winds of 75mph as low temperatures of -4C were recorded in Scotland overnight.
Conditions were so cold that wild swimmers were able to break through the ice on the frozen Avon Lagoon, Linlithgow, West Lothian on Sunday.
Wind warnings are in place for Scotland from 10am to 4pm today – with power outages and delays to road and water transport, the Met Office says.
Snow and ice warnings have also been issued for much of the country – and will last all day – with injuries expected.
As we head into Monday, things aren’t looking bright just yet.
The same snow and ice warning remains in place until 11.59pm while Northern Ireland is also affected.
The warning said: “Showers, which are increasingly falling as snow, are bringing some disruption to parts of Northern Ireland.
“Some roads and railways are likely to be affected by longer journey times by road, bus and rail.
“Probably some ice on some unkempt roads, pavements and bike paths. Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.”
The UK’s Health Safety Agency has also issued a warning and urged people to stay safe during the cold snap.
Bureau of Meteorology deputy chief meteorologist Chris Bulmer said: “Snow showers are most likely to move inland from coasts exposed to northerly winds from Sunday onwards.
“The focus of the snow showers will be over northern Scotland, but parts of the North Sea and Irish Sea coasts could also see snow at times.
“There are several weather systems for Tuesday and Wednesday that we are tracking that bring the potential for disruptive snow in some regions.
“With cold air firmly in place, any weather systems moving across the country next week will bring mostly inland snowfall.
“The models are currently showing us various possibilities for both systems and we will be able to add more details in the coming days.”
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Yellow weather warnings have been issued for SundayCredit: Met Office
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Warnings are also in place for MondayCredit: Met Office
UK Health Safety Agency warning – how to stay safe
According to the UKHSA, there is the potential for a serious impact on the health and social care sector due to the cold weather.
dr. Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health at UKHSA, said: “The temperatures we will see by the weekend can quickly have a serious impact on the health of the over 65s and those with pre-existing health conditions. because it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and chest infections.
“That’s why it’s crucial to check on friends, family and neighbors to make sure they’re well prepared for the cold weather next week.”
Who is vulnerable?
- elderly people (aged 65 and over)
- people with cardiovascular diseases (heart and circulation).
- people with respiratory conditions (especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and childhood asthma)
- people with mental problems
- people with learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities
- small children (especially those under the age of 5)
- pregnant woman
- people with low incomes
How to stay safe:
- windows, draft-resistant doors and other places of energy loss
- ensure that heating systems are maintained and in good working order
- stay inside if the temperature drops
With the icy moment just hours away, it will affect travel plans.
Amy Fellows, national network manager at National Highways has issued advice on how to drive in the weather.
She said: “Freezing conditions bring so many dangers like snow and ice, so take all possible steps to understand your journey in advance and leave plenty of extra time during your journey to prepare for the unexpected.
“National Highways also reminds motorists to keep TRIP in mind before traveling – Refill: oil, water, windshield washer; Rest: rest every two hours; Review: Inspect tires and lights and Prepare: Check your route and weather forecast.”
Southern regions were said to be at a “low risk” of snow.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick added: “It will be quite cold in the north of Scotland.
“During the week we expect more and more snow showers and warnings, towards the end of the week probably accumulation.
“Snow showers will move inland during the day.
“It continues all day Sunday into Monday and we are likely to see accumulating snow and additional warnings.
“We will see showers spread across Scotland, Northern Ireland and mainly the east coast of England.
“Tuesday will see more rain turning to snow moving east across the country, with more lingering snow and more accumulation at low levels in N Scotland and N England.”
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A frozen golf course at Bamford in the Peak District today as temperatures plunged below freezingCredit: LNP
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Two women wrapped up on the River Cam in Cambridge on a cold cold Saturday morningCredit: Bav Media
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Swimmers brave the freezing temperatures to enjoy a dip in the sea in Brighton, East Sussex, on FridayCredit: Mirrorpix
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