The United Kingdom is on high alert for a severe and disruptive bout of winter weather over the next 72 hours, with forecasters warning of a dangerous combination of biting -12C temperatures, widespread snow, and the arrival of Storm Goretti.
Arctic Blast Triggers Widespread Warnings
An influx of freezing Arctic air has already delivered the coldest temperatures of the winter this week, but conditions are set to deteriorate further. The Met Office has issued weather warnings for snow and ice across northern Scotland, with alerts for "icy patches" extending to much of the rest of the country.
Forecaster James Madden from Exacta Weather warned that wintry conditions will intensify, bringing further bands of moderate to heavy snow showers. He stated that settling snow is expected even at lower levels across the northern half of the UK, as well as some western and eastern coastal regions, from Wednesday evening into Thursday.
Storm Goretti Creates 'Multi-Hazard' Threat
The situation is expected to become more perilous as Storm Goretti, named by Meteo France, moves across the English Channel from Thursday into Friday. The storm will clash with the entrenched cold air over the British Isles, potentially creating blizzard conditions across parts of England and Wales.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer highlighted the complex dangers. "We have therefore issued a yellow warning for snow for parts of England and Wales, where heavy snow could lead to disruption and difficult travelling conditions," he said. A separate yellow wind warning has been issued for southwest England due to the strong gales associated with the storm.
Bulmer cautioned that the exact track of the low-pressure system remains uncertain and that warnings "are likely to be amended – and potentially escalated – over the coming days."
Sub-Zero Temperatures and Travel Disruption
Temperatures are forecast to remain well below average into the weekend. The coldest spots, particularly in the far north, could see the mercury plummet to a severe -10C to -12C on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
Madden emphasised the ongoing risks, noting that the snow accumulations at lower levels will be accompanied by "very cold day and night temperatures" with continuing hazards from frost, ice, and snow developing for many areas.
The public is advised to prepare for significant travel disruption, hazardous driving conditions, and potential impacts on infrastructure as the "multi-hazard" weather event unfolds over the next three days.
