The UK has been hit by an Arctic blast, bringing the lowest temperatures of the winter with warnings of significant snowfall and disruption expected over the weekend. A fresh yellow warning for ice has been issued for large areas of Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England, parts of North Wales and the East Midlands, which will come into force from 16:00 GMT on Friday until 10:00 GMT on Saturday. Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are also in place for Wales, England and Scotland over the next few days. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued amber cold weather health alerts that are covering the whole of England, urging residents to avoid going out early in the morning when the frost is thick.
The UK experienced its coldest night so far this winter, with temperatures falling as low as -8.1C in Benson, Oxfordshire. In other areas across the country, temperatures dropped to -7.5C in Shap, Cumbria and -6.7C at Bournemouth Airport. Northern Ireland had its lowest reading recorded of -5.7C in Katesbridge, Scotland recorded -6.4C in Eskdalemuir, Dumfries and Galloway, and Wales had its lowest reading of -5.1C in Usk. Some transport disruption was reported, and National Rail has announced that the Inverness to Dingwall line in northern Scotland will be closed until at least 11:00 GMT on Saturday because of multiple landslips and flooding.
BBC Weather forecasts that northern England and southern Scotland could see 20-40cm of snowfall from late Saturday into Monday, bringing significant disruption. Temperatures across the UK are expected to be freezing overnight, with towns and cities expected to drop below freezing whilst colder rural areas are expected to see significantly lower temperatures. On Saturday, snow is also forecasted to hit parts of southern England, Northern Ireland, the Midlands and Wales. Northern parts of England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland are expected to experience snow on Sunday morning, which could be quite disruptive particularly over higher ground. However, temperatures are expected to rise later on Sunday across certain parts of the country, with London experiencing temperatures of 13C, a stark contrast to Aberdeen’s expected temperature of just 2C.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning that the cold temperatures are likely to affect people’s wellbeing, particularly the elderly and those with health conditions that could be severely impacted by the freezing weather. The alerts provide an early warning to healthcare providers, suggesting actions such as monitoring individuals at high risk closely and ensuring people most vulnerable to cold-related illnesses have appropriate arrangements for visitors or phone calls to check in on them. Age UK’s director, Caroline Abrahams, commented on the cold weather and how it would bring the government’s decision to limit winter fuel payments “into sharp relief”, with many older people being contacted by the charity over worrying about what to do. The charity is urging older people to take extra precautions to stay warm and suggests energy companies have an obligation to help those struggling, stating that local councils may also be able to offer support.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that no fresh postcodes have been triggered for cold weather payments. Payments of £25 are made to eligible households when temperatures have been recorded as, or are forecasted to be, 0C or below for seven consecutive days
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