Londoners have been urged to wrap up warm as a cold northerly airflow sweeps through the city, bringing temperatures as low as -6C during the night this week.
Commuters experienced a brisk start to their Tuesday morning as thermometers dipped, and forecasters are warning that this bone-chilling weather is set to persist.
Overnight, Northolt in north London witnessed temperatures plummeting to -6.3C, setting the tone for a week of cold snaps across the capital.
The Met Office has issued forecasts predicting overnight lows of -6C throughout the remainder of the week, with temperatures feeling as cold as -5C during the morning rush hour.
While Londoners shivered through the start of the week, the Met Office also issued a warning of heavy snowfall across the north of the UK, particularly in Scotland and overnight in Northern Ireland.
A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place until midnight on Tuesday for Scotland, much of northern England, and parts of north Wales, along with Northern Ireland, until 11 am.
The likelihood of snow in the capital is minimal despite the chilly conditions, according to Met Office forecaster Stephen Dixon.
He explained, “The coldest last night in London was minus 6.3C, and that was in Northolt. It’s going to stay cold for the rest of the week, I’m afraid.”
Dixon went on to highlight that while overnight temperatures in London are expected to hover between -5C and -6C, pinpointing the exact coldest spots in the city is challenging.
However, there may be a slight reprieve over the weekend, with a potential for slightly milder temperatures hovering around the freezing mark.
“The northerly airflow is bringing snow to northern areas… but in terms of London, that’s not looking on the cards this week,” Dixon assured.
As the warnings persist across large portions of the country’s northern half until Thursday, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe in the face of the bitter cold.
Authorities are reminding the public to be vigilant on icy surfaces, particularly in areas under the yellow warning for snow and ice.
The cold snap has prompted residents to dig out their winter layers, and local authorities are gearing up for potential challenges posed by the wintry conditions.
Road maintenance teams are on high alert, ready to tackle any snow or ice accumulation that may affect travel.
While Londoners brace for the frigid temperatures, meteorologists continue to monitor the evolving weather patterns.
As the week progresses, the city remains on alert for any unforeseen changes in the weather, with a collective hope that the anticipated milder temperatures over the weekend will provide some relief from the biting cold that has descended upon the capital.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
