Arctic Blast Paralyzes UK Transport Network
Britain's rail network is experiencing widespread disruption as a severe cold snap grips the nation, with temperatures plunging to -7°C in some areas. The Met Office has confirmed this is the coldest weather recorded since March, with a week of freezing conditions ahead featuring snow, frost and ice.
Major Service Disruptions Across Key Routes
National Rail has issued multiple warnings to passengers facing significant journey alterations. Buses are replacing trains between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley on West Midlands Railway services until at least 2.30pm on Monday. The disruption affects routes connecting Birmingham International Airport and Wolverhampton after slippery rails blocked all lines.
Further south, another major incident has halted services between Plymouth and Penzance in Cornwall. Both CrossCountry and Greater Western Railway services are affected, including:
- CrossCountry routes between Edinburgh and Bristol Temple Meads
- CrossCountry services to Penzance
- GWR trains between London Paddington, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth and Penzance
National Rail confirmed safety inspections have blocked all lines, causing cancellations and delays of up to 20 minutes.
Meteorological Warnings and Extended Freeze Forecast
The Met Office's deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley warned: 'This will be a notable change in our weather after a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures.' As Storm Claudia retreats southward, Arctic air from the north is creating much colder conditions across the UK.
Monday morning saw temperatures of -1°C in Glasgow and between 3-4°C from Manchester to England's south coast. However, forecasters predict conditions will deteriorate further throughout the week. Honor Criswick, another Met Office meteorologist, stated that 'cold weather is here to stay' with potential weather warnings imminent.
The Highlands experienced the coldest temperatures, with Tulloch Bridge recording -7°C - the lowest since March 20. Inverness saw its first snowfall of the season over the weekend, with more significant accumulations expected in highland areas from Tuesday morning.
By Thursday night, thermometers are forecast to dip below freezing in Manchester and parts of Scotland, with widespread frosts expected across the UK and temperatures potentially reaching -7°C in some regions. The cold spell marks a dramatic shift from the first ten days of November, which were the warmest on record for that period with average temperatures of 11°C - 4.3°C above the long-term average.
