Motorists and commuters are being urged to brace for travel disruptions as snow and ice grip parts of the UK. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for several regions, marking

the country’s “first taste of winter.”

Snow began falling on Monday across northern Scotland, northern England, Northern Ireland, the Midlands, and north-east Wales. With temperatures plummeting, travel networks are being impacted, prompting warnings for those venturing out.

National Rail reported potential delays to Northern Rail services in Yorkshire, with disruptions expected until at least 2:00 PM GMT. Merseyrail advised passengers to check travel updates after overnight temperatures dropped to -3°C. Meanwhile, National Highways issued an amber severe weather alert, warning of up to 15 cm of snow on key roads, including the M56 near Manchester and the M1 at Leeds and Sheffield.

The Met Office's warnings extend until 10:00 AM for parts of Northern Ireland and 11:00 AM for areas in the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and northern England. Northern Scotland faces extended warnings until Wednesday morning. Tulloch Bridge in the Scottish Highlands recorded the lowest temperature this season, plummeting to -7.8°C early Monday.

 “This week will be widely cold, with temperatures a few degrees below average during both the day and night,” said Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey. Forecasts predict nighttime lows of -2°C in London on Friday, -4°C in Birmingham, and -7°C in northern regions. These temperatures are significantly below the mid-November average.

BBC Weather notes that predicting snow at lower altitudes remains challenging during mid-November, as the ground and seas are still relatively warm. However, by the weekend, milder south-westerly winds are expected to replace the cold air, bringing wet and windy weather. While some snow may accompany the transition, it is likely to thaw quickly.

National Highways' Darren Clark emphasized the importance of safe driving: “Keep your distance and reduce your speed, as conditions can be slippery even when snow hasn’t settled.” He urged drivers to monitor weather updates and carry a snow kit, including blankets, food, water, and a shovel.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber cold weather alert for several regions, warning of increased risks to vulnerable groups and potential strain on health services. Dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, encouraged people to check on vulnerable friends and neighbors, especially the elderly.

As the week progresses, the cold snap will give way to milder, wetter conditions. Until then, commuters are advised to plan ahead, stay informed, and take precautions to navigate the challenging weather. Photo by Robsphotos, Wikimedia commons.