The UK Met Office has issued warnings as an Arctic blast brings plummeting temperatures, sleet, snow and ice. The unusually mild November weather is set to be replaced by wintry conditions, with yellow weather warnings in place for northern Scotland from Sunday afternoon, extending to southern Scotland and northern England into Tuesday.
Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said Sunday could be 'quite a chilly start to the day' with showers expected, particularly in northern Scotland. The first yellow warning, from 4pm Sunday to 11am Monday, covers northern Scotland including Orkney and Shetland, with wintry showers causing slippery surfaces and difficult travel. Snowfalls of up to 10cm are possible on high ground, with 1-3cm on lower levels.
A second warning from 7pm Monday to 10am Tuesday covers southern Scotland, northern England, the East Midlands and north Wales. Forecasters predict rain, sleet and snow, with up to 20cm above 300 metres. There is a small chance of snow settling at lower levels, where 5-10cm could be disruptive. The Met Office warned of power cuts, travel disruption and icy surfaces, with a slight risk of rural communities being cut off.
Drivers are advised to carry winter essentials: warm clothing, food, water, blanket, torch, ice scraper, warning triangle, high visibility vest and phone charger. The UK Health Security Agency issued yellow cold weather alerts for large parts of England from Sunday evening. Overnight temperatures into Monday are likely to be below zero in much of northern England and Scotland, with a 'hard frost' expected and icy stretches, particularly during Monday's rush-hour.
