Yellow weather warning issued as 10cm of snowfall sparks fears of travel chaos
The Met Office has today issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice into next week.
Forecasters had said yesterday that "potentially impactful snow" is possible for many areas of the country next week. The new weather warnings reinforce that with parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland subject to the alert for now - and the warning states up to 10cm, nearly four inches, of white stuff could fall in just a few hours on Monday alone.
Speaking to Mirror today, Oli Claydon, spokesperson for the Met Office, said: "As we get more detail about the expected to snow, we issue weather warnings like these... We know this cold north air mass will remain all week, and temperatures, especially in the north, will remain low."
It was a bitter -8.3C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, yesterday, Mr Claydon told the Mirror. The mercury is expected to stay just as low throughout next week as cold air moves in from the north. Rain will fall as snow when this mass meets an area of high pressure moving in from the southwest.
Parts of the UK already experienced a dusting last week (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)And Monday's weather warning states: "Frequent snow showers will continue to affect northern Scotland through Monday. A spell of strong northerly winds affecting the Northern Isles and northeast Scotland during the day will also result in drifting of lying snow in places. Whilst accumulations will vary due to the nature of showers, 2-5 cm of snow is expected in many places. Where showers become more organised, there is a chance some low-lying areas could see 10 cm in a few hours."
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A weather map details the weather warning for Sunday (Met Office)Sunday's alert, which solely covers the Scottish regions, reads: "Through the second half of Saturday night, showers will fall as a mixture of rain at low levels and snow over higher ground, but present a chance of ice developing at all elevations. Frequent showers will increasingly fall as snow to lower levels during Sunday. Whilst accumulations will vary due to the nature of showers, some places may see 2-5 cm by the end of Sunday."
Speaking to the Mirror, Mr Claydon added: "We have this cold air mass northwest of Scotland at the moment, which could fall as snow over the mountains as early as tomorrow but it'll be more significant on Sunday. The cold air mass will sweep through the UK across the weekend and into next week so keep an eye on our weather warnings as it's likely we will issue more as the picture develops."
It was coldest across Scotland yesterday - at -8.3C in the northeast of the country - and some rain fell as sleet as a result. Fyvie Castle, on the River Ythan in Aberdeenshire, saw nearly 3mm of wintry rain.
The UK Health Security Agency has a Cold Health Alert in force, which highlights that possibility of significant impacts for the health and social care sector. 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.”
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Hayter 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. It’s where these airmasses 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."
Conditions on the roads will be treacherous and RAC warns drivers to take extra caution (PA)With cool conditions in charge and the potential for snow and ice for some from Sunday onwards, travel plans could be impacted. 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.”
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