The UK is set for a weekend of snow and ice, with the Met Office issuing a rare forecast for freezing rain. Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across northeastern England from 6am to 2pm on Saturday, covering areas from Newcastle to Bradford. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a cold weather alert for parts of North East England, Yorkshire and the Humber.
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said 2 to 5cm of snow is possible over the Cheviots and North Yorks Moors, with localised accumulations at lower levels. Freezing rain, a phenomenon more common in North America, is expected over the Pennines, particularly above 200 metres. This rare event can bring down trees and ground planes.
The cold conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, with heavier rain in southern Wales and southwestern England. The UKHSA warns of minor impacts on health and social care services, with greater risk to vulnerable people. Commuters are advised to be careful while travelling.
January 2025 was the fifth sunniest on record for the UK, with 61.8 hours of sunshine, despite rain, snow, and the most powerful windstorm in over a decade. However, the recent gloom is due to a high-pressure system over Scandinavia bringing cold, moist air from the east. Forecasters predict sunshine and milder weather may return next week as Atlantic air gradually pushes the cold air away.
