The Met Office has upgraded weather warnings for snow and ice for the weekend amid warnings of “significant” snowfall in parts of the UK in the coming days.
Weather warnings for snow and ice for Saturday and Sunday have been increased to amber, with a yellow warning in place in Scotland on Monday morning.
Up to to 30-40cm of snow will be possible in parts of northern England, the Met Office has said, warning of “significant accumulations”.
It also cautioned of a risk of “freezing rain” – a dangerous weather phenomenon which sees rain freezing instantly when it reaches the surface causing dangerous icy conditions – as the snow turns to rain further south, especially over Wales.
A seven-month-old boy was killed in a crash on the A1 in Lincolnshire near Grantham at 10.50pm on Thursday, with Lincolnshire Police investigating whether the incident was linked to icy conditions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued cold weather health alerts for all of England ahead of a week of low temperatures.
Temperatures were expected to have fallen as low as -8C in rural Scotland and northern England on Thursday night, along with cold weather in parts of Wales and rural spots in southern England, with between -4C and -5C expected.
What are the weather warnings for this weekend?
Fresh weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for ice ahead of a blast of snow over the weekend.
Amber weather warnings for snow and ice are in place for most of the UK from 9pm on Saturday to midnight on Sunday in parts of the East Midlands, North East England, North West England, West Midlands and Yorkshire; and from 6pm on Saturday to midday on Sunday in parts of East Midlands, London & South East, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire. (See maps below.)
This could mean some rural communities cut off, along with potential power cuts, delays to rail and air travel, and travel delays on roads.
The Met Office has previously warned that about 5cm of snow is expected widely across the Midlands, Wales and northern England, with as much as 20-30cm over high ground in Wales and the Pennines.
Strong winds could lead to snow drifts in some areas, and freezing rain as temperatures creep up could add to the risk of ice.
What are the weather warnings for next week?
Conditions should become warmer by the end of the weekend but cold weather is set to strike again early next week. Dan Stroud, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “The second half of the weekend should be in the high singles or low doubles. But temperatures will dive again next week, particularly on Monday and Tuesday.
“They should start to improve towards the latter end of the week. But there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge until then.”
A yellow weather warning is in place for snow and ice for Scotland from midnight on Sunday to 12pm on Monday.
Cold weather health alert issued across England
The impending cold snap triggered formal guidance for the public to take care of their health while temperatures plunge.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has now issued an amber Cold-Health Alert (CHA) for all regions of England, which will be in place until at least midday on Wednesday, 8 January.
Amber alerts – meaning the likelihood of a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions – are in place until 8 January, the UKHSA said.
Conditions are likely to exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, while other other vulnerable groups, such as rough sleepers, will also be at greater risk.
Today we have updated our cold health alert to amber for the whole of England, from today at 12pm to Wed 8 Jan at 12pm. ❄❄❄
Our data dashboard includes a cold health alert map with useful information and guidance: https://t.co/eioXiEMnUL pic.twitter.com/3JKmS8bKPz
— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) January 2, 2025
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
On Thursday, London councils activated an emergency accommodation protocol for people sleeping rough in freezing conditions. The emergency measures, which see extra beds made available, have been active for three nights so far this winter.
What to do in cold weather
Speaking on Sky News, Age UK chief executive Paul Farmer said: “The very simple message to older people is to wrap up warm, put your heating on, and to make sure for the rest of us that we’re keeping an eye on our neighbours, our friends, our family members who are older who might need that extra bit of help during this cold snap.”
The government website advises that anyone struggling to heat their homes or afford other essential items over the colder months should contact their local council to see what support may be available to them.
Assistance available to help with heating bills includes:-
Other advice includes speaking to your energy provider, and taking steps to make your home more energy efficient.
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