The UK is set to face another round of severe winter weather this week as the Met Office and weather forecasters warn of heavy snow, icy conditions, and widespread travel disruption. Following the first major Arctic blast of the season, which blanketed much of the country, new snow and ice alerts have been issued, with conditions expected to worsen by Saturday, November 23.
Major Snowfall Expected in Scotland and Northern England
Scotland is forecast to be the worst-hit region, with up to 20cm of snow expected in higher altitudes and 15cm in urban centers like Aberdeen and Inverness. Northern England will also see significant snowfalls, with cities such as Manchester and Newcastle predicted to accumulate up to 10cm.
The Met Office warns that icy patches on roads and untreated surfaces will make travel hazardous across much of the UK. Areas above 300 meters in Scotland could experience especially treacherous conditions, with build-ups exceeding 20cm in some places.
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
Ice across parts of northeast England and East Anglia
Wednesday 1600 – Thursday 1000
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/KO64aq1hos
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 20, 2024
Full List of Areas Subject to Met Office Alerts:
Regions and local authorities affected include:
Central, Tayside & Fife
- Angus
- Perth
- Kinross Stirling
East Midlands
- Derbyshire
- Lincolnshire
East of England
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
Grampian
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar
- Highland
North East England
- Redcar and Cleveland
North West England
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Blackpool
- Cheshire East
- Cheshire West
- Chester
- Cumbria
- Greater Manchester
- Halton
- Lancashire
- Merseyside
- Warrington
Northern Ireland
- County Antrim
- County Armagh
- County Down
- County Londonderry
- County Tyrone
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
- Dumfries and Galloway
Strathclyde
- Argyll and Bute
- East Ayrshire
- Inverclyde
- North Ayrshire
- Renfrewshire
- South Ayrshire
- West Dunbartonshire
Wales
- Conwy
- Denbighshire
- Flintshire
- Gwynedd
- Isle of Anglesey
- Powys
- Wrexham
West Midlands
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Telford and Wrekin
- West Midlands Conurbation
Yorkshire & Humber
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- Kingston upon Hull
- North East Lincolnshire
- North Yorkshire
Travel Chaos in Southern Regions and Across the UK
Although southern England is unlikely to see substantial snow, rainfall of up to 3mm and overnight frosts will make conditions challenging. London, Birmingham, and Exeter fall under a newly issued ice warning, urging drivers and pedestrians to prepare for slippery roads and potential delays.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its first amber cold weather health alert of the season for England, warning of significant risks to vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly. The alert covers all areas except the far south and is expected to last until 6 PM on Saturday.
This week’s icy conditions have already led to widespread transport disruptions. On Tuesday, more than 200 schools were forced to close, while train operators reported significant delays and cancellations.
National Rail noted that 53% of services in the East Midlands alone were delayed or canceled. Drivers are advised to pack emergency kits, including blankets, shovels, and food, while rail passengers are encouraged to check live updates before traveling.
Met Office Five-Day Weather Outlook
- Wednesday:
Icy roads and snow showers will persist throughout the morning, with temperatures hovering below freezing. High-altitude areas could see up to 10cm of snow.
- Thursday:
Rain and hill snow are forecast for the southwest, with strong winds and wintry showers in northern regions. Sunny spells may break through the otherwise cold conditions.
- Friday to Sunday:
Friday will bring a mix of frosty weather and brief sunshine, while Saturday and Sunday are expected to see heavy rain and snow, particularly on higher ground.
Wider European Impact: Snow and Winds in the Alps and Mediterranean
The Arctic air affecting the UK is also impacting Europe. Heavy snowfall in the Alps is creating dangerous conditions for mountain regions, while strong winds in the Mediterranean disrupt travel and shipping routes. These broader weather patterns reflect the extensive reach of this cold front, bringing challenges across the continent.
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