BBC Weather has warned that snow showers are set to hit parts of the UK this weekend, with bitterly cold easterly winds keeping temperatures below freezing. Forecaster Matt Taylor said the coldest conditions would be in western Scotland and north-west England overnight, where temperatures would fall widely below freezing.
Over the weekend, a combination of high pressure to the west and low pressure to the east will bring northerly winds, leading to wintry showers in northern Scotland and snow on mountain tops. Showers are also expected in west Wales and Cornwall, with some heavy falls and sleet over high ground. Into the start of next week, easterly winds will tap into air from south-east Europe, meaning temperatures will remain below average but not as bitter, with highs of 3C to 6C and a little snow over the hills.
The Met Office has issued two new yellow weather warnings for the New Year period, covering ice and snow in southern parts of the UK. A warning for ice in south-west England is in force from 6pm on New Year's Eve until 9am on January 1, with ice likely to linger on Saturday as temperatures continue to plunge. The forecaster said showers with hail, sleet and hill snow could wash off applied grit and salt, increasing the risk of ice on untreated surfaces.
Travel disruption has already been reported. Devon and Cornwall Police said a large amount of snow had fallen on the M5 between junctions 27 and 28, with northbound traffic moving at 20mph and the southbound carriageway at a crawl. Officers urged drivers to avoid the area and advised visitors to leave Dartmoor amid falling snow and deteriorating visibility. In North Wales, police advised against all non-essential journeys following several collisions on the A55 due to snow and ice.
RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams urged drivers to exercise caution on New Year's Day, with a high risk of both snow and ice on the roads. He advised those who must travel to adjust their speed according to the conditions and leave extra stopping distance, adding that snow and ice are the toughest driving conditions and should be avoided if possible.
