The UK is bracing for 'disruptive snow' and plunging temperatures after an Arctic blast brought the coldest night of the season so far. The Met Office recorded a low of -7.8°C at Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands early on Monday, marking the chilliest night this autumn. Many households had to de-ice car windscreens for the first time this winter, following an unusually mild and dry start to November.
Up to 20cm (8in) of snow could accumulate in the worst-affected areas, according to forecasters. Yellow warnings for rain, sleet and snow are in place from Monday evening to Tuesday morning across parts of northern England, the Midlands, and north Wales. The Met Office warned of power cuts, travel disruption, and risk of injury from slipping on ice. In Northern Ireland, a snow and ice warning runs from Monday afternoon until Tuesday morning, while northern Scotland faces a yellow warning until Wednesday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued its first amber cold weather health alert of the season, cautioning that conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly. Age UK echoed the warning, urging extra care. Drivers are advised to allow extra time and pack essential winter items such as warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, torch, ice scraper, and a charged phone charger.
Temperatures are expected to remain well below average for the time of year, with widespread frosts. The Met Office's Nicola Maxey said: 'It is going to be quite a widely cold week – a few degrees below average both day and night for most of the country.' Forecasts predict lows of -2°C in London on Friday, -4°C in Birmingham, and -7°C further north. The cold air from the Arctic maritime air mass will spread across the whole country by midweek.
Travel disruption is likely on Tuesday, with Merseyrail activating its cold weather plan, running the first service without passengers to check conditions. The Met Office advised that up to 10cm of snow could settle at lower levels, which would be much more disruptive, particularly across parts of Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
