Seven areas of the UK are set to see temperatures drop below freezing this weekend, with new weather charts showing icy conditions spreading across parts of Scotland. Forecaster WXCharts indicates that sub-zero temperatures will cover seven counties in the early hours of Saturday.
At around 6am on Saturday, temperatures are forecast to dip to freezing in Sutherland, Ross and Cromarty, Aberdeen, Inverness, Argyll, Perth and Angus. The weather maps have turned blue as wintery weather grips swathes of the country towards the end of this week, with cold and unsettled spells across much of the UK.
Storm Austen brings strong winds
Meanwhile, Storm Austen is expected to batter the UK from Thursday, and the Met Office has issued a weather warning for wind. The national weather agency says wind speeds could reach 70mph in parts of Wales and the south of England on Friday. The warning is in place from midnight until midday.
Brits were warned that power cuts are on the cards for those living in the warning area. To prepare in advance, people are urged to “consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items”.
Risk of damage and travel disruption
The Met Office says the fierce winds could cause damage to buildings, with a risk of injuries and a “danger to life” from flying debris. Rail, air and ferry services could all be impacted too, while some roads and bridges may close.
People are also urged to prepare for the winds by checking “loose items” around their homes, and securing them if necessary. These may include bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences, the Met Office says.
The areas forecast to see freezing temperatures this weekend are Sutherland, Ross and Cromarty, Aberdeen, Inverness, Argyll, Perth and Angus.
