The UK is set for a significant bout of wintry weather this week, with the Met Office issuing a series of alerts warning of up to eight inches of snow and treacherous conditions. Temperatures are expected to plummet to around -2°C, with multiple weather warnings active until Friday.
Widespread Disruption Expected
The forecaster has highlighted a range of potential hazards that could cause major disruption across the country. These include probable travel delays on roads, with some vehicles and passengers becoming stranded. Untreated pavements and cycle paths may become impassable, increasing the risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
Further consequences could involve power cuts and disruptions to other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Some rural communities face the risk of being cut off entirely, while bus and train services are likely to be delayed or cancelled. Road closures and significantly longer journey times are also anticipated.
Key Areas and Snowfall Forecast
Weather maps from Ventusky, which utilise Metdesk data, indicate that snow could fall as far south as Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire on Tuesday, with dustings expected in the Chiltern Hills and parts of Suffolk.
However, the most severe conditions are predicted for Scotland and northern England. On Tuesday, the primary concern is for Scotland, where accumulations of 2-5cm are possible above 150 metres, and 5-10cm above 400 metres.
The situation is forecast to intensify on Wednesday, particularly along the east coast of England. Parts of Humberside, North Yorkshire, and the entire Northeast of England could see a staggering 20cm (8 inches) of snow. Similar significant accumulations are expected across most of Scotland.
Full List of Areas Under Weather Warnings
Tuesday: Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Argyll and Bute.
Wednesday and Thursday: All of the above Scottish areas, plus Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Scottish Borders, East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, and North Yorkshire.
Official Met Office Guidance
Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen of the Met Office stated: "Scattered showers feed into the northeast and far north of mainland Scotland on Monday night, bringing a risk of icy conditions on roads and pavements."
He added, "An area of rain will reach the west of Scotland early on Tuesday morning, with a risk of this turning to snow as it moves inland... This period of snow could bring some disruption to travel and infrastructure across higher parts of Scotland."
Drivers are being urged to exercise extreme caution this week, as road conditions are expected to be treacherous even on treated routes.
