The United Kingdom is on high alert as the Met Office warns of a severe Arctic blast set to blanket much of the country in heavy snow, with accumulations of up to 30 centimetres (11 inches) expected in some areas.
Arctic Blast Brings Snow and Gale Force Winds
A powerful surge of freezing air from the north will see daytime temperatures plummet to as low as -4°C. The cold snap will be accompanied by a "gale force northerly wind" from Thursday evening, which will cause significant snow drifting and create treacherous conditions. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering New Year's Day and Friday.
Forecasters state that snow showers will become increasingly widespread on Thursday. Initially affecting higher ground, the snow will settle at lower levels by evening. The agency predicts widespread accumulations of 2 to 5cm, with 10cm possible in some places by Friday morning.
Heaviest Snow for Highlands and East Midlands
The most severe conditions are anticipated in Scotland, particularly across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire, where 10-20cm of snow could pile up. On the highest routes, more than 30cm is possible. This threatens to disrupt Hogmanay celebrations and cause significant travel chaos at a time when airports and train stations are typically busy after the New Year.
In England, the East Midlands, including Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, is expected to bear the brunt of the snowfall on Saturday evening. The band of snow will then track eastwards, potentially leaving a dusting over Norfolk by Sunday morning. Weather maps suggest flurries could reach as far south as Kent and London by Saturday night.
Major Travel Disruption Expected
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds, with gusts of up to 60mph along North Sea coasts like Humberside, will make driving extremely hazardous. The Met Office is urging the public to prepare for likely delays and road closures.
The agency has issued key safety advice for drivers, recommending they:
- Plan their route carefully, checking for delays.
- Allow extra time for journeys and ensure their vehicle is prepared for winter conditions.
- Pack an emergency kit including warm clothing, food, water, a torch, an ice scraper, and a phone charger.
Households are also advised to prepare for potential power cuts and being cut off from services. The Met Office stresses that further weather warnings may be issued in the coming days, particularly for Saturday, as the cold spell persists.
