Alert: Snow, Ice, and Hazardous Driving Conditions Expected in UK
This week, the UK is anticipated to experience snow, ice, and disruptions in travel due to northerly winds.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice covering extensive areas in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the northern regions of England in the upcoming days.
Liam Eslick, a meteorologist at the Met Office, has indicated that Arctic winds sweeping across the UK will result in temperatures approximately 5-6 degrees Celsius lower than the usual for this time of year. On Monday, temperatures are not expected to exceed 4 degrees Celsius anywhere in the UK, and the strong northerly wind will make it feel colder, with a snow and ice warning in effect from 3 am on Monday until 9 am on Tuesday for Northern Ireland.
In Scotland, a similar warning is in place for northern areas until midnight on Monday, with the warning area expanding to cover the entire country, as well as northern England and Wales on Tuesday. Eslick emphasized that areas under these warnings are likely to experience travel disruptions and advised people to use main roads instead of country lanes, as these may not receive road clearance or gritting in the coming days. He also recommended taking extra precautions in the mornings, such as allowing time to clear cars and driving carefully.
The early part of the week is expected to bring severe ground frosts, resulting in icy conditions on untreated roads. Earlier forecasts had raised concerns about disruptive snow in southern Britain due to a low-pressure system moving across northern Europe on Wednesday, but current models suggest it will remain over the continent, albeit with some uncertainty.
Drivers are urged to check the weather forecast before embarking on their journeys and allocate extra time for travel. Amy Fellows, a national network manager at National Highways, stressed the importance of being prepared for freezing conditions by checking tires, fluid levels, lights, fuel, or charge levels, and carrying warm clothing, food, and a drink.
Racecourses across the UK are prepared for freezing temperatures, with inspections scheduled before racing events. Hereford's Monday jumps card will undergo an 8 am inspection, and John Holliday, the clerk of the course, is optimistic that racing will proceed. Plumpton's Tuesday meeting in East Sussex is subject to an 8.30 am inspection on the day.