Executive Summary
- The UK is under multiple health alerts as severe winter weather brings heavy snow and extremely cold temperatures.
- An amber warning for snow is in place for north-east England, with forecasts of up to 25cm of snow and potential blizzard conditions.
- Temperatures are expected to plummet as low as -12°C in parts of Scotland, leading to significant travel disruptions on roads and railways.
Health authorities have issued high-level alerts across the United Kingdom as the nation braces for severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall, potential blizzards, and temperatures plunging as low as -12°C. The Met Office has issued multiple amber and yellow warnings, forecasting significant travel disruption and potential power outages, particularly in northern England and Scotland.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed four amber warnings over the north of England, with the rest of the country under yellow alerts. These warnings indicate an increased demand on health services and a higher risk to vulnerable populations. An amber warning for snow is in effect for parts of north-east England, where blizzard-like conditions are possible due to gusty winds. Up to 25cm of snow is forecast for high ground in areas like the North York Moors.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst noted that while many will see sunshine, coastal areas will experience continued sleet and snow showers. “The highest snowfall totals from Wednesday night through Thursday will likely be across the Sperrins, North Yorkshire Moors, Northwest Highlands, Grampians and upland Pembrokeshire,” he stated.
The conditions have already caused significant travel problems. On Wednesday night, North Yorkshire Police urged drivers to avoid the A171 near Whitby after several vehicles became stranded and closed the A169 between Whitby and Pickering due to heavy snow. National Rail has advised commuters to check their journeys, as speed restrictions may lead to delays and cancellations. Shaun Jones of AA Expert Patrol warned drivers that stopping distances can increase tenfold on icy surfaces, advising them to “slow down and leave plenty of space.”
Forecast and Outlook
The cold Arctic air is expected to persist, with the Met Office warning that temperatures could drop to -12°C in snow-covered parts of Scotland by Friday. While conditions are expected to become wetter and windier over the weekend, with temperatures rising closer to the seasonal average, forecasters clarified it will not be as mild as earlier in November.