The UK is preparing for its first significant cold snap of the winter, with the Met Office issuing an amber weather warning for parts of Yorkshire as some regions could see up to 25cm of snowfall.
Widespread Warnings and Plummeting Temperatures
Forecasters have warned that the next seven days will be “markedly colder” than last week, bringing harsh frosts and the first substantial snow of the season. An amber warning for snow is now in effect for areas including York and Scarborough from 5am to 9pm on Thursday, with travel delays and power cuts deemed likely.
Multiple yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are also active, affecting parts of Scotland and northern England from Monday through Thursday. Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree stated that Wednesday to Friday will be the coldest part of the week, with the greatest potential for disruptive weather.
Health Alerts and Icy Conditions
The cold snap has prompted official health warnings. The UK Health Security Agency has activated an amber cold health alert for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber. A yellow alert covers the rest of England and remains in force until 8am on Saturday.
Icy patches are expected to develop widely, leading to potentially “difficult, slippery conditions.” Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill noted that with the cold air in place, sleet and snow will mix with rain, particularly as an area of low pressure moves southwards on Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
Significant Snowfall and Ongoing Disruption
The most significant snow accumulations are forecast for northern areas. The North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds could see 15-25 cm of snow by Thursday. Wintry showers are expected to extend south through Wednesday and Thursday, mainly affecting north-facing coastal areas.
By Wednesday, most of the country will be under a cold Arctic airmass, with a strong northerly wind creating a significant wind chill, making temperatures feel even colder. Overnight temperatures could plunge to as low as minus ten degrees Celsius.
Mr Crabtree advised the public that “updates to the current warnings are possible, so it’s important people keep up to date with the forecast” as this first major cold snap of the year takes hold.
