The Met Office has issued a stark warning for the United Kingdom, alerting the public to potential snow and ice hazards as a cold snap descends following the chaos of Storm Claudia.
Widespread Cold and Wintry Hazards Expected
Britain is set for a dramatic temperature drop, with the national weather service forecasting conditions that will be much colder than recent norms. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holter confirmed the shift, stating that high pressure from the north will dominate, ushering in a frigid air mass.
He specifically warned of wintry hazards such as snow and ice, with some areas potentially experiencing overnight lows of -7°C next week. This cold spell arrives just days after Storm Claudia caused severe disruption, particularly in Wales.
Which Regions Are Most at Risk for Snow?
According to detailed forecasts from BBC Weather, five specific regions are most likely to experience wintry showers. These areas are all exposed to the biting northerly winds and include:
- Northern Scotland
- Northern Ireland
- The North Yorkshire Moors
- West Wales
- The moors of south-west England
The situation is expected to intensify on Tuesday when an Atlantic weather system is predicted to clash with the entrenched cold air. This collision could trigger further snowfall, potentially reaching inland Scotland, northern England, the Midlands, and even parts of the south-east by Wednesday morning.
Weather Maps Predict Widespread Snowfall
Latest data from the GFS weather model provides a visual timeline of the expected snowfall. The maps indicate snow will begin drifting south from Scotland on Wednesday morning.
Intense flurries are anticipated in northern England before the system moves into Wales, the Midlands, and parts of the south-west. The data suggests that up to 5cm of snow could settle in the Pennines.
This impending cold spell follows the devastation left by Storm Claudia, which struck the UK on Friday. The storm had a particularly severe impact in Wales, where a major incident was declared. In the south-east Welsh town of Monmouth, dozens of people required rescue or evacuation after the River Monnow burst its banks, causing severe flooding.
The Met Office reported extreme rainfall, with 119.6mm recorded at Tafalog in Gwent in the 12 hours to 6am on Saturday. Punishing winds were also recorded, reaching 68mph in Cumbria. The Welsh Government urged affected residents to follow official advice from emergency services and local authorities.
