An Arctic blast has caused temperatures in the UK to plummet as low as -8.1°C, with forecasters warning that snow could lead to significant disruptions over the weekend.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold weather health alerts across England, highlighting an increased risk of mortality due to the cold. Local NHS services have advised residents to avoid going outdoors during the early morning when frost levels are highest.
Weather warnings in place
Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued across most of England, Wales, and Scotland, effective from Saturday to Monday. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of staying warm, noting, "It is definitely a weekend to turn the heating on."
According to BBC Weather, 20-40cm of snow could accumulate in parts of northern England and southern Scotland between late Saturday and Monday, potentially causing travel disruptions.
Lowest recorded temperatures
Benson in Oxfordshire recorded the lowest temperature in the UK at -8.1°C on Friday morning, marking the coldest night of winter so far in southern England. Other notable low temperatures include:
- Shap, Cumbria: -7.5°C
- Bournemouth Airport: -6.7°C
- Eskdalemuir, Scotland: -6.4°C
- Usk, Wales: -5.1°C
- Katesbridge, Northern Ireland: -5.7°C
A new yellow warning for ice was issued on Friday for most of Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north-west England, the East Midlands, and parts of North Wales. This warning remains in effect from 16:00 GMT on Friday until 10:00 GMT on Saturday.
Snow showers in north-east Scotland are expected to bring up to 10cm of accumulation on higher ground throughout Friday. Additionally, National Rail reported transport disruptions, with the line between Inverness and Dingwall in northern Scotland closed due to multiple landslips and flooding.
Weekend forecast and snowfall predictions
Temperatures across UK towns and cities are predicted to remain below freezing overnight from Friday into Saturday, with rural areas experiencing even colder conditions. Freezing fog patches may develop in the Midlands and East Anglia.
Snow is forecast for various regions over the weekend:
- Saturday evening: Snow expected in southern England, Wales, the Midlands, and Northern Ireland.
- Sunday morning: Northern England, Northern Ireland, and southern Scotland could see significant snowfall, particularly on higher ground.
- Sunday afternoon: Temperatures are predicted to rise slightly, reaching up to 13°C in London, while Aberdeen may only see highs of 2°C.
Detailed weather alerts
The Met Office has issued the following warnings:
- Yellow warning for ice: Covering most of Scotland, including the Orkney and Shetland Islands (excluding the south-east), north-west England, the East Midlands, parts of North Wales, and northern Northern Ireland from 16:00 GMT on Friday to 10:00 GMT on Saturday.
- Yellow warning for snow and ice: In effect from noon to midnight on Saturday, covering England (except the south-west) and all of Wales.
- Yellow warning for snow: In place for most of Scotland (excluding the far north) from midnight on Sunday to 12:00 GMT on Monday.
Health and safety measures
The amber cold weather alerts issued by the UKHSA aim to provide early warnings to healthcare providers, urging them to monitor vulnerable individuals and ensure that those at high risk have adequate support. NHS Black Country's integrated care board has advised residents to avoid going out during periods of thick frost or late at night.
Caroline Abrahams, Director of Age UK, expressed concern over the impact of the cold weather on older populations. She urged older people to prioritize their safety by keeping warm, even if it means spending more on heating. Abrahams also called on energy companies and local councils to offer support to those in need.
When questioned about cuts to winter fuel payments, Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended the government's measures, stating that winter fuel allowances for the poorest pensioners have been protected. He added that the triple lock on pensions remains in place, ensuring a higher state pension this winter compared to last year.
Cold weather payment update
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed on Thursday that no new postcodes have been triggered for cold weather payments. Eligible households receive payments of £25 when average temperatures are recorded or forecast to be 0°C or below for seven consecutive days.
Residents are advised to stay informed through regular weather updates and take necessary precautions during the cold spell. Photo by Mike Fleming from London, England, Wikimedia commons.