A severe cold snap has forced the postponement of several football fixtures across England this weekend, with frozen pitches rendering grounds unplayable. The disruption coincides with new weather warnings from the Met Office for snow and ice, and an ongoing amber cold health alert.
National League Games Fall Victim to the Freeze
Boreham Wood's clash with York City was called off after sub-zero temperatures in Greater Manchester caused a frozen pitch at Boundary Park. Despite ground staff working overnight with protective covers, the frost had penetrated too deeply for the game to proceed safely.
In the fifth tier, Scunthorpe United's match against Sutton United at Glanford Park was also postponed. A morning inspection confirmed the surface remained dangerously hard and unplayable, even with frost covers in place.
Further Postponements Across the National League North
The cold weather's impact extended to the National League North, where multiple fixtures were cancelled. Spennymoor Town versus AFC Telford United was postponed following an 11am pitch inspection at The Brewery Field on Friday. The club stated the early decision was made to prevent Telford's supporters and team from undertaking a hazardous and unnecessary journey.
Darlington's home game against Macclesfield at Blackwell Meadows was called off after an inspection found significant frozen sections. Ground staff could not thaw the pitch sufficiently to meet required safety standards.
Additionally, Radcliffe's home fixture with Oxford City at the Neuven Stadium was cancelled. Heavy frost had made the playing surface too dangerous for professional competition.
Met Office Issues Fresh Weather Warnings
The football disruptions come as the Met Office has issued a series of yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across the UK. A warning for Northeast England on Saturday, January 3 forecasts frequent snow showers from Newcastle down to Norwich, with 1-3cm of snow expected widely and up to 8cm on higher ground like the North York Moors.
A new 21-hour warning for Wales and Northwest England begins at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 4. It covers areas including Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and the West Midlands, warning of snow showers moving inland and potential travel disruption into Monday morning.
Another yellow warning is active for Southwest England from Saturday into Monday, January 5, highlighting the risk of icy stretches on untreated roads and pavements.
Forecasters warn that on Sunday evening, snow showers will push further inland, increasing the risk of treacherous "black ice" for the Monday morning commute across central parts of the country.
Health Alert as Cold Snap Continues
Supporting the meteorological warnings, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has an amber cold health alert active for all regions of England. This alert is scheduled to remain until Tuesday, January 9. Health officials caution that the sustained sub-zero temperatures present a significant risk to vulnerable individuals and are likely to increase pressure on NHS services.
