The Met Office has issued a warning that the severe Arctic cold snap is expected to persist for about a week. Daytime temperatures are forecasted to remain around 0°C as frigid Arctic air blankets most of the UK. Snow is likely to accumulate in certain areas, accompanied by widespread frost and icy conditions through the upcoming week.
Neil Armstrong, the chief forecaster at the Met Office, mentioned that with the prevailing Arctic air mass across the UK, extremely cold weather will continue, with overnight temperatures dropping below zero in some places and daytime highs struggling to reach 0°C. This cold spell is anticipated to extend into the following week with ongoing wintry hazards, prompting additional weather warnings. It is advised for people to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings and make necessary preparations.
Temperatures have plummeted to -6.2°C in Hurn, Dorset, and are expected to decrease further. Various weather alerts are in effect for different regions of the UK until Sunday, including an amber warning for heavy snow in northern and eastern Scotland. Strong northerly winds could lead to drifting snow, posing risks for motorists on Friday and Saturday, along with a widespread ice hazard, according to the Met Office.
A yellow warning for snow and ice on Saturday covers the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North East, where vehicles might face difficulties, particularly in rural areas. The Met Office website highlights that sleet and snow are likely to move southeastwards across parts of England and Wales, potentially resulting in 1-5 cm of snow accumulation, especially in higher elevations.
In response to the severe weather conditions, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised cold weather health alerts to “amber” across England, expressing concerns for the elderly and vulnerable individuals facing heightened risks due to the harsh weather. Former “yellow” alerts in the Midlands and South have been upgraded to amber, as the agency anticipates a notable impact on health services and an increase in fatalities among older individuals and those with chronic health conditions due to the prolonged cold spell.