The UK is bracing for 'disruptive snow' and plummeting temperatures this week, as an Arctic blast brings the first taste of winter. The Met Office recorded the coldest night of the season so far, with -7.8°C at Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands early on Monday.
Yellow weather warnings for snow, sleet, and rain are in place across swathes of the country, from Northumberland and Cumbria down to north Wales and the Midlands, effective from 7pm Monday to 10am Tuesday. Up to 20cm of snow could accumulate on hills above 300 metres, with 5-10cm possible at lower levels, particularly in Yorkshire and Derbyshire, which could cause significant disruption.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued its first amber cold weather health alert of the season, warning that conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly. The Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said temperatures will be a few degrees below average both day and night for most of the country, with widespread frost expected.
Drivers have been advised to allow extra time for journeys and pack essential winter items, including warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, torch, ice scraper, and a phone charger. Merseyrail will activate its cold weather plan, running first services without passengers to check conditions.
