The UK is facing another week of severe wintry disruption, with snow forecast to hit southern regions and hundreds of schools already closed. An Arctic cold snap, now entering its third day, has gripped the nation, bringing temperatures as low as -10C and widespread travel chaos.
Widespread Disruption and Further Warnings
After hundreds of schools in northern England and Wales were forced to close on Monday, the severe weather is shifting south. The Met Office has issued a fresh weather warning for snow showers across eastern England until late Tuesday morning. The UK Health Security Agency's amber cold health alerts for England are set to remain in force until Friday, highlighting significant risks to health.
The forecaster warns that the situation could escalate later in the week. A low-pressure system is expected to buffet the country on Thursday and Friday, potentially bringing a 'multi-hazard event' of strong winds, heavy rain, and further snow. There is at least a 50 per cent chance of disruptive snow across most of Wales, the Midlands, and parts of the south east and east during this period.
Travel Chaos and Health Advice
The extreme conditions have caused major transport problems nationwide. Airports including Liverpool, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Belfast International faced significant disruption with cancellations on Monday. Rail services have been severely affected:
- LNER advised passengers not to travel on the East Coast Mainline for the rest of Tuesday.
- Services in Wales and northern Scotland were badly hit, with multiple routes blocked.
- Eurostar told passengers between London and the Netherlands to postpone journeys as services cannot operate beyond Brussels.
Health officials are urging the public to take precautions. Dr Agostinho Sousa of the UKHSA warned that the cold temperatures increase risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, particularly for the over-65s and those with pre-existing conditions. Age Scotland advised people to ensure they have enough food and medication to avoid risky trips outdoors.
A Brief Thaw Before Further Wintry Hazards
In a stark contrast, the weekend is likely to see temperatures in parts of the UK, including London and Bristol, soar above 11C – warmer than some parts of southern Spain. However, the immediate focus remains on the dangerous cold.
Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey explained: 'We have cold, Arctic air over the country and any moisture in the air is likely to fall as snow.' Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone added that while a low-pressure system will move in from the west on Thursday, its exact track remains uncertain, determining whether regions see heavy rain or significant snow accumulation.
With overnight temperatures expected to plummet to -12C in some areas, and more than 52cm of snow already recorded in parts of Scotland, authorities continue to urge extreme caution. The RAC advised drivers to consider delaying journeys, de-ice vehicles fully, and carry emergency supplies including warm clothing and a power bank for their phone.
