11 January 2024 , 15:29
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Warnings have been issued to the vulnerable as a plume of Arctic air will bring snow and send temperatures plummeting in the coming days.
The spell of cold air come down from the north from Sunday, the Met Office has said, with the mercury projected to fall as low as -8C. The forecast has prompted the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue an amber-level cold-health alert.
Brits in some parts of the country can expect snow showers after a week in which millions have already been coated with a sprinkling of the white stuff. Parts of northern Scotland and Northern Ireland will be hit with snow from early next week.
And as the freezing air sits over the country throughout next week, meteorologists say there's "a chance for some disruptive snow" as milder Atlantic air pushes in from the South West. While no weather warnings have yet been issued, such weather could result as millions are still reeling from flooding brought by Storm Henk.
Temperatures in parts of Scotland and Cumbria have already dived below zero in recent days. Mercury sunk as low as a bitter -10.4C in Aviemore, Scotland, on Wednesday.
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David Hayter, the Met Office's Deputy Chief Meteorologist, said: “While the initial snow risk from Sunday onwards is looking most likely to be coastal areas in the north of the UK, including North Sea and Irish Sea coasts, there’s an ongoing likelihood of some disruptive snow through the middle to latter part of next week. What we’re keeping an eye on for this disruptive snow is where exactly this milder air from the southwest bumps into the cold air that will be in place over the UK.
The Met Office's Alex Deakin says parts of Scotland and North East England could see snow showers from Sunday into Monday (Met Office)“It’s where these air masses meet that there’s a likelihood of some substantial snow for some places. At the moment, models are showing us a variety of options for exactly when and how this situation plays out and it’s something we’ll be able to add more details to in the coming days.”
According to the service, Brits can expect cold weather with wintry showers across the North West coast from Tuesday onwards, with showers to gradually move inland. There's also the potential for snow and sleet in areas where cold air hits spells of milder air.
A spokesperson said: "Confidence is low regards the timing of the arrival of any such disturbance, but there is an increasing risk of something potentially disruptive at some point in this period. Widespread frosts continue by night with wintry showers from the northwest between further potential pulses of snow as weather fronts move in from the west these likely drawing in milder conditions by next weekend."
The coming days will likely remain dry but with the possibility of widespread snow into next week (Met Office)Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “The temperatures we will see leading into the weekend can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week.”
Motoring experts have also warned about the potential for hazardous driving conditions in the coming days. Drivers have been urged to travel "fully prepared" in case of a snow shower.
It comes after the last widespread bout of snow in the UK saw drivers in Cumbria forced to abandon their cars last month amidst one of the heaviest blizzards in years which also left thousands in the region without power for three nights.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said: “With an increasing risk of snow and ice at the start of next week we urge drivers to make sure they travel fully prepared. Having a few essential items in the boot – no matter what distance you’re going – can make a massive difference in a breakdown situation in freezing conditions. A warm, waterproof coat, sturdy footwear and gloves, along with a blanket and a power bank to keep your phone charged are vital.
“While no one sets out to breakdown or get stuck in very cold, potentially snowy conditions, there are far too many instances where drivers have underestimated the severity of the conditions and found themselves in danger. It’s far better to prepare for the worse and hope for the best.”