The UK is bracing itself for a significant weather event as the mild temperatures of early February give way to a blast of winter chill. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow across several regions, including North Wales and northern and central England.
Prepare for a wintry blast in the coming days, as Britain braces for the onslaught of up to 8 in of snow and bone-chilling temperatures plummeting to -10 °C later this week, courtesy of cold air sweeping in from the north, caution the experts at the Met Office.
Yellow Warning: Power Outages, Travel Delays and Stranded Vehicles
According to meteorologists, a mixed bag of rain, sleet, and snow will make its way northward starting Thursday morning, depositing approximately 0.8 inches (2 cm) of snow at lower altitudes. Higher ground, above 650 feet (200 m), could see accumulations of up to 2 inches (5 cm), while peaks soaring beyond 1,300 feet (400 m) might witness a hefty 8 inches (20 cm) blanket of snow.
The yellow warning, spanning from 03:00 GMT Thursday to 03:00 Friday, encompasses a broad swath of territory, extending from North Wales through parts of the Midlands and into northern England. The Met Office advises of potential disruptions, including power outages, travel delays, and the possibility of stranded vehicles. Rural communities may also face the risk of being temporarily cut off due to adverse weather conditions.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution and to be prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, residents in affected areas are encouraged to take precautions, such as ensuring adequate supplies of food, water and medications in the event of localized disruptions.
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
Snow across parts of England and Wales
Thursday 0300 – Friday 0300Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/FuKoB79vyf
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 5, 2024
Anticipating Today's Weather Warning in Scotland
The Met Office is forecasting a long period of rainfall across the west of Scotland on Sunday and Monday. Precipitation will initially progress quietly northward throughout Sunday, then turn and retreat southwards late on Monday.
There could be a temporary respite from precipitation in some southern parts of the warning zone on Monday, with some uncertainty as to how far north the precipitation will spread.
Rainfall could reach 40 mm to 75 mm across the warning area, with the potential for 120 mm to 170 mm in the wettest areas, including parts of Argyll, Lochaber and Wester Ross.
UK Weather Forecast: Outlook for the Week
- This evening: Moderate, mostly blanketed evening over the majority of the localities in the vicinity, with negligible precipitation apart from a few isolated patches of mist. A steady breeze will prevail throughout the evening. Temperatures are expected to dip to a low of 7 °C.
- Tuesday: Early Tuesday will be cloudy, with rain arriving late in the day and persisting and intensifying sporadically. The precipitation will gradually dissipate towards the southern regions during the night. Heavy gusts will gradually ease as the rain dissipates. The highest temperature will hit 13 °C.
- Middle and End of the Week: By midweek, precipitation is expected to gradually retreat southwards on Wednesday morning, winds will ease and a few clear spells will appear in the afternoon. However, on Thursday and Friday, a period of sustained rain is forecast, increasing in intensity intermittently. Although temperatures will remain relatively mild, accompanied by a persistent breeze.