Arctic Blast Set to Freeze Britain with Sub-Zero Temperatures
The United Kingdom is preparing for a dramatic temperature drop this week as a powerful Arctic weather system sweeps across the nation. Top forecasters at the Met Office have issued stark warnings about widespread frost, potential snowfall, and temperatures that could plummet as low as minus 7 degrees Celsius in some regions.
This cold snap marks a sharp departure from the recent period of above-average temperatures, signalling the arrival of the first significant wintry conditions of the season. The UK Health Security Agency has activated a cold weather alert, effective from Monday, 17th November, which is scheduled to remain active until Friday. This alert currently covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Wintry Hazards and Travel Disruption Expected
According to Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley, the driving force behind this big chill is a change in atmospheric pressure. "High pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK," he explained. This will usher in conditions far colder than those experienced recently and, although the weather is expected to be generally drier, it brings a heightened risk of wintry hazards like snow and ice.
Mr Holley further detailed the impacts, stating, "There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7C in places, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country. Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill." The nation had a preview of this cold on Saturday, when Tulloch Bridge in the Scottish Highlands recorded a temperature of -7C, making it the coldest night since March.
Snowfall Predictions and Motorist Warnings
Forecast data indicates that the first flurries could arrive in parts of Scotland and the North East as early as Monday. The situation is then expected to intensify from Tuesday, with heavy snowfall predicted for multiple locations. The snow is forecast to affect a vast swathe of the country, from as far north as Orkney, off the coast of Scotland, down to Bodmin in Devon.
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the RAC has issued an urgent warning to all drivers. Alice Simpson, a spokesperson for RAC Breakdown, emphasised the increased risks on the roads. "There’s potential for freezing temperatures to make roads hit by heavy rain very slippery with a chance of ice," she said. The organisation anticipates that breakdown volumes could be around 10% higher than normal for this time of year, equating to roughly 1,000 additional call-outs each day.
Ms Simpson also highlighted a less obvious autumnal danger, noting, "Normal indicators of autumn, like fallen leaves on the road, can also become very hazardous in icy conditions as they create an extra layer between tyres and the road surface, increasing the likelihood of skidding." The public is advised to stay updated with the latest local forecasts and exercise extreme caution while travelling.
