The UK is braced for a severe cold snap as the Met Office has issued a series of amber and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, with parts of the country already experiencing heavy snowfall and treacherous conditions.
Widespread Warnings and Forecasted Snowfall
Forecasters have warned that up to 25cm of snow could fall in some areas, with significant accumulations already recorded from northern parts of the UK to central regions and as far south as London. The Met Office has emphasised that this wintry weather could create particularly tricky travel conditions for the public.
A yellow warning for ice remains in effect across much of Wales, northern and central England, and southern Scotland until 11am on Wednesday. More significantly, an amber weather warning for snow has been issued for parts of Yorkshire on Thursday, active from 5am until 9pm.
Substantial Disruption Expected in Key Regions
The amber warning highlights the risk of substantial disruption. Frequent wintry showers are expected to feed inland from the North Sea, creating difficult conditions over the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds.
By the end of Thursday, 15-25cm of snow may have accumulated on hills above 100m elevation. The Met Office has stated this is likely to lead to power cuts and significant travel delays on roads, with the potential for some vehicles and passengers to become stranded.
Temperatures are set to plummet dramatically, with some parts of Scotland potentially seeing the mercury fall to a biting -11C on Thursday night.
An Early Taste of Winter
Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong explained the situation, stating, "Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK's weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather."
He added that winter hazards are expected to continue for the next few days, with the coldest conditions likely on Wednesday and Thursday. Wintry showers will predominantly affect areas exposed to the brisk northerly wind, including Northern Ireland, south-west Wales, south-west England, north-east England, and across the northern half of Scotland.
Residents are urged to stay updated on the latest forecasts and travel advice as the UK contends with this first major wintry blast of the season.
