A bitter Arctic chill is set to grip the nation this week, with forecasters warning of snow, ice, and temperatures plummeting to -7°C. This dramatic cold snap arrives just days after parts of the country were devastated by flooding from Storm Claudia.
Where and When Will It Snow?
According to the latest Met Office maps, Scotland is expected to see the first significant snowfall from Tuesday evening into Wednesday. As the week progresses, the wintry conditions are forecast to push southwards.
By Wednesday, northern English towns and cities including Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool could wake up to a dusting of snow. While the prospect of building a snowman might be limited, the Met Office has indicated that sleet and slush are likely, creating potentially hazardous conditions.
Although no formal weather warnings for snow and ice were initially in place, authorities have urged the public to stay vigilant. A spokesperson for the forecaster advised people to keep checking for updates, as ‘it is possible warnings may be issued for snow and ice at times’.
Why the Sudden Big Freeze?
The dramatic shift from the recent wet and mild conditions is due to a ‘cold northerly flow’ of air moving in directly from the Arctic. Met Office forecaster Dan Holley provided a clear explanation for the change.
‘This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice’, he stated.
Holley further detailed that the UK should prepare for widespread frosts and daytime temperatures struggling to rise above single figures. The brisk northerly wind will add a significant wind chill, making it feel even colder. This marks a ‘notable change in our weather after a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures’.
The chill has already begun, with Tulloch Bridge in Scotland recording a minimum temperature of -7°C on Saturday night, the coldest night experienced in the UK since March.
Health Alerts and Travel Warnings Issued
In response to the forecast, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a formal cold weather alert. This warning covers the Midlands, North West, and North East of England and is active from Monday until 8am on Friday.
These government alerts are designed to highlight when cold temperatures are likely to impact the health and wellbeing of the population, providing an early warning to health services and the public.
The RAC Breakdown service has also advised motorists to exercise extreme caution. Spokesperson Alice Simpson warned: ‘There’s potential for freezing temperatures to make roads hit by heavy rain very slippery with a chance of ice’.
She noted that breakdown volumes are anticipated to be around 10% higher than normal, equating to roughly 1,000 more call-outs per day. Wet leaves on the road pose an additional risk, as they can create a slippery layer that increases the likelihood of skidding.
This cold spell follows a major incident declared in South Wales, where dozens of residents in Monmouth had to be evacuated from flooded homes after the high street was submerged. The flooding was described as the worst seen in the area for forty years.
