A severe Arctic cold front has gripped the UK, bringing widespread frost, snow, and significant disruptions across several regions.
Temperatures plummeted overnight, with forecasts predicting continued freezing conditions throughout the weekend, leading to amber health alerts across England and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice in several parts of the country.
As the mercury dropped, northern Scotland experienced heavy snowfall, covering areas like the Highlands and the north-east with a thick blanket of white.
Images shared show snowmen being built in the early hours, and roads blanketed with snow, as residents brace for even more severe weather.
Meanwhile, parts of the UK are expected to see up to 30cm of snow over higher ground, particularly in Wales and the Pennines, with additional snow forecast for the Midlands, northern England, and Scotland by the weekend.
The cold front follows a period of unseasonably mild weather over the festive season, which had seen temperatures ranging from 11°C to 13°C on Christmas Day.
However, the recent drop in temperatures is expected to persist well into next week, with a wind chill factor making it feel much colder. The UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber health alerts, warning of potential risks to vulnerable individuals.
These alerts affect the entire of England, with a specific focus on people at higher risk, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Local NHS services have urged residents to stay indoors during the coldest parts of the day, particularly early mornings and late evenings when frost and ice can make conditions treacherous.
In response to the severe weather, Age UK’s director Caroline Abrahams highlighted concerns over the government’s decision to limit winter fuel payments.
She urged older people to prioritize staying warm, even if it means spending more on heating, and called on energy companies to offer support to those in need.
As the cold snap continues, snow is expected to affect areas across southern England, Wales, and Scotland. Forecasters warn that freezing rain and icy conditions may lead to hazardous driving and travel disruptions, with power cuts possible in rural communities.
The combination of snow, icy conditions, and blizzards could also lead to the closure of roads and delays in public transport.
Over the weekend, the snow is expected to intensify, with southern and central England experiencing temporary snowfall that will quickly turn to rain as milder air pushes in.
In contrast, the northern and higher regions are set to see heavier snow, with up to 20cm accumulating in some areas. These conditions are expected to bring about blizzard-like conditions, particularly in the Pennines and other high-altitude regions.
This extreme weather follows a series of floods that affected much of northern England, including areas of Greater Manchester, where nearly 1,000 people were evacuated earlier this week.
Flood warnings remain in effect in several parts of the country, as authorities continue their cleanup efforts from the heavy rains and flooding caused by a series of storms earlier this winter.
The latest cold front marks a stark contrast to December’s unseasonably warm temperatures, with the UK experiencing its fifth warmest December on record, according to the Met Office.
It is also a reminder of the ongoing changes in the UK’s climate, with 2024 being the fourth hottest year on record.
As snow and ice continue to disrupt life across the UK, the government and health agencies are urging caution, particularly among vulnerable populations, while residents prepare for what could be a challenging few days.
