As the UK faces a week-long cold snap, snowfall has begun in certain parts of the country. According to BBC Weather, south-east England can expect a mixture of snow, sleet, and rain. The Met Office has issued a warning for ice and snow across southern England and Wales, which could lead to travel disruptions. Meanwhile, central England could continue to suffer flooding, warns the Environment Agency. The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for ice in southern England and southern Wales.
During Monday, the weather in north-east England will feature light rain, light sleet, and snow over hills, while wintry showers and a light dusting of snow will occur in lower areas of south-east England. Temperatures are predicted to reach near zero, although it will feel significantly colder due to the winds. Particular care should be taken on untreated surfaces, which are likely to become icy. Temperatures on Monday night are also expected to be severely cold. Parts of England and Wales could reach -4C, while northern Scotland could see temperature drops as low as -7C.
To compound the issue, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have jointly issued an amber cold weather warning for the south-west, south-east, West Midlands, East Midlands, and north-west England regions until 12:00 on Friday. Extended periods of cold weather can significantly impact the health of vulnerable people such as older people, increasing the risk of heart attacks, worsening arthritis, strokes, pneumonia, and accidents at home.
A yellow warning for ice has also been issued for parts of Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has urged caution, instructing motorists to only use main, gritted roads, slow down, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
While the cold weather is equipped to impact vehicle breakdown levels, the AA recommends that people check their tyre condition, including the spare, and ensure their vehicle is fully de-iced. People should also fully charge their phone and pack a flask, warm clothing, a shovel, and a torch in the car, as well as following local emergency service’s advice.
The UK has already faced heavy rainfall, causing around 1,800 properties to flood. Furthermore, thousands of homes and businesses are at risk due to the rising levels of the River Thames. Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has criticised the government’s response to the flooding situation, stating that his party had proposed a task force earlier in the year. In response, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended the government’s record levels of investment in flood defences that had helped protect homes
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