The Met Office has issued a stark warning that disruptive snow, wind, and rain could hit parts of England this week, as an Atlantic low-pressure system collides with Arctic air over the country. Forecasters indicate that even southern regions may see snowfall on higher ground towards the end of the week.
Forecast Details and Potential Scenarios
According to Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern, the exact path of the Atlantic system remains uncertain, leading to several possible outcomes. He outlined a 30% chance that the front moves through northern France, which would bring disruptive snow to southern English counties, particularly on higher ground.
There is also a 20% chance the system takes a more northern route, resulting in widespread disruptive wind and rain across much of England and Wales, with further snow possible in northern England, southern Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The most likely scenario, however, is wind and rain in southern UK areas, with central England facing a significant risk of disruption from snow.
Current Warnings and Immediate Impacts
The immediate focus remains on ongoing severe conditions. On Tuesday, rain turning to snow is expected across Scotland and northern England. The Met Office predicts accumulations of 1–5 cm in northern England and potentially 10–15 cm in central and eastern Scotland.
Weather warnings are widespread. Two amber snow alerts are active for northern Scotland until Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, yellow snow and ice warnings cover southwest England, northern England, eastern England, and Wales. A separate yellow ice warning is in place for Northern Ireland.
These warnings have already caused significant disruption. Hundreds of schools were closed across the UK on Monday, with flights cancelled and train services severely affected. Liverpool John Lennon Airport temporarily closed its runway, and National Rail confirmed train services in northern Scotland will be disrupted until the end of Tuesday.
Health Alerts, Support Payments, and Safety Advice
Alongside the weather warnings, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for England, effective until Friday. This serves as an early warning that the adverse temperatures are likely to impact health and wellbeing.
In response to the freezing conditions, the UK Government confirmed that hundreds of thousands of eligible households are receiving £25 cold weather payments. These payments, triggered on four separate days in late December and early January, assist vulnerable people, including pensioners, with heating costs when temperatures drop below freezing.
Charities are urging the public to check on those most at risk. The Alzheimer's Society has advised people to look in on family and neighbours with dementia, ensuring they stay warm by dressing in layers, keeping rooms heated, and taking care on icy surfaces. "For many families caring for a loved one with the condition, winter can be a worrying time," said Angelo Makri of the Alzheimer's Society.
Overnight temperatures are set to fall below freezing once more, with the Met Office noting that the coldest spots over lying snow could plunge as low as minus 12°C.
