Snow and ice expected as UK braces for ‘first taste of winter’

Motorists and commuters are being warned of possible disruption as Met Office weather warnings for snow and ice take effect in a number of areas across the UK.

Snow started falling across parts of the country on Monday in what the Met Office is describing as the country’s “first taste of winter”.

There are currently three yellow warnings in place for snow and ice in northern Scotland, northern England, and parts of Northern Ireland, the Midlands and north-east Wales.

National Rail said the weather could have an impact on Northern Rail services in Yorkshire until at least 14:00 GMT, while Mersey Rail warned that the first services of the day would run without passengers so lines could be checked after temperatures fell to minus 3°C overnight.

National Highways has issued an amber severe weather alert for snow on roads in the North East and North West regions of England.

It said roads including the M56 in Manchester and the M1 at Leeds and Sheffield could see up to 5cm of snow.

The Met Office warnings for parts of Northern Ireland is place until 10:00, while the warning lasts until 11:00 for areas in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the north of England.

The warning in northern Scotland lasts until 10:00 on Wednesday.

The early hours of Monday saw snowfall in northern Scotland and the coldest temperatures since last winter, with minus 7.8C logged in Tulloch Bridge, in the Scottish Highlands.

“It is going to be quite a widely cold week,” Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said. “A few degrees below average both day and night for most of the country.”

Temperatures in the coming days will be much lower than the mid-November average by day – and are expected to reach below freezing by night.

They are predicted to drop to -2C in London on Friday, -4C in Birmingham and -7C further north.

BBC Weather says forecasting snow is difficult at lower levels, especially in mid-November when the ground and surrounding seas are still relatively warm compared to midwinter.

But in Northern Scotland, 2 to 5 cm of snow is likely to accumulate quite widely, with up to 10 cm in some places by the end of Tuesday. About 10cm (4in) of snow could settle on higher ground.

By this coming weekend, forecasters are expecting the cold air to be replaced by milder south-westerly winds – with potentially wet and very windy weather sweeping in.

As the wetter weather moves northwards there remains the risk of some snow, before it quickly thaws.

Darren Clark, National Highways’ severe weather resilience manager, advised drivers: “Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.”

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”

The UK health security agency (UKHSA) has said there is an increased risk to vulnerable people, warning the weather could have an impact on the whole health service.

It has issued an amber cold weather health alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.

“It is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk,” Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said.