The UK is bracing for heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures this weekend, with the Met Office issuing a three-day yellow snow warning across much of England, Wales, southern Scotland,
and Greater London. From midday Saturday to 9 a.m. Monday, forecasters predict up to 1 foot of snow could blanket parts of the country, with temperatures plunging as low as -10°C (14°F).
Widespread Impact and Travel Disruptions
The Met Office warns of potential power outages and disruptions to mobile networks, with rural communities at risk of becoming isolated. Travel delays are expected, with stranded vehicles, cancelled rail services, and flight disruptions likely.
Already, the stormy start to 2025 has caused significant issues. Dozens of flights were cancelled this morning, and a "do not travel" advisory was issued for rail passengers in parts of northern England. London's annual New Year’s Day Parade was also delayed, with inflatable displays scrapped due to adverse weather conditions.
Plummeting Temperatures
The cold snap will intensify, with lows of -10°C expected in parts of Scotland and temperatures dropping to -5°C in London, -6°C in Glasgow, and -7°C in Birmingham and Manchester by Friday morning. Daytime temperatures will struggle to rise above 3–5°C below average, with highs of just 5–6°C in southern regions.
Snow Warning Details
The yellow snow warning, in effect from Saturday to Monday, highlights significant snowfall across the Midlands, Wales, and northern England. Snow accumulations of 5cm (2 inches) are expected widely, with higher ground in Wales and the Pennines possibly seeing up to 30cm (1 foot).
Strengthening winds are predicted to exacerbate conditions, causing drifting snow and making travel even more hazardous. As milder air attempts to push northwards, some areas may experience freezing rain, increasing the risk of ice.
Flight and Rail Chaos
This morning, 36 flights were cancelled at Heathrow Airport due to air traffic control restrictions caused by adverse weather. British Airways was among the hardest hit, cancelling multiple flights to destinations including Barcelona, Copenhagen, and Nice. Other airlines, including Lufthansa, Swiss, and Air France, also faced cancellations.
Rail travel was equally affected, particularly in northern England, where persistent rain flooded key routes. TransPennine Express reported severe disruptions in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, urging passengers to delay their journeys until conditions improve.
Looking Ahead
The Met Office cautions that the snow warning and its timing may be refined as weather models improve. For now, people across the UK are advised to prepare for hazardous conditions and potential disruptions to essential services.
The UK Health Security Agency has also activated a 72-hour yellow "cold health alert" for England, emphasizing the need for residents to take precautions, particularly the vulnerable and elderly.
As Britain braces for a frosty and turbulent start to the year, authorities urge the public to stay informed, exercise caution, and prepare for challenging conditions. Photo by Jason Yates, Wikimedia commons.