Met Office issues weather warning as cold conditions persist

THE Met Office has ramped up its weather warnings as the UK faces significant snowfall, icy conditions and plummeting temperatures that could trigger power cuts and travel disruption.

Weather experts have issued yellow warnings for ice along Britain's east coast from Northumberland to Norwich, valid until midday Wednesday. A separate snow and ice alert covers northern Scotland through Thursday afternoon.

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The Met Office has issued warnings for snow and ice across parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland, Northern England, and the Midlands, as a low pressure system from the Atlantic brings freezing temperatures.

"This will feel like the first taste of winter for many," Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon said, noting that snow showers, some accompanied by lightning, began overnight and will continue through Wednesday morning.

Commuters make their way through the morning fog as temperatures become wintry on November 18, 2024 in Northwich, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The snowfall could be particularly heavy in Scotland, with forecasters predicting up to 10cm in higher areas and as much as 20cm possible in mountainous regions by the weekend.

The harsh weather has already caused significant disruption in Wales, where more than 140 schools closed on Tuesday (19) across several regions including Wrexham, Powys, and Flintshire.

People are being urged to prepare for possible power cuts and travel difficulties as the cold snap tightens its grip. The Met Office warns that rural communities could face temporary isolation due to the severe weather conditions

In its latest five-day forecast, the national weather service warns of wintry conditions affecting travel and daily activities. Forecasters predict temperatures will remain below average for this time of year.

"Many areas will experience a frosty and icy start, though most places will stay dry with sunny spells," says the Met Office. "However, wintry showers will continue to affect areas exposed to the northerly wind, particularly heavy and blustery in the north and east"

The warning extends into tonight, with meteorologists forecasting "another cold night with sleet and snow showers continuing in exposed areas".

A widespread frost is expected to form under clear skies, though the far southwest will become cloudier later.

Thursday's (21) outlook remains chilly for most of the UK, featuring sunshine and wintry showers in exposed areas. The southwest is predicted to be cloudier with some rain and possible hill snow. The Met Office added that conditions will be "rather breezy".

Looking ahead to the weekend, the forecast shows continuing wintry conditions. According to the Met Office, Friday (22) will bring more sunshine and wintry showers, followed by overnight frost and ice.

Saturday (23), however, will mark a shift to widely wet and windy conditions, with initial hill snow, while Sunday (24) will see blustery showers, the weather office said.

The Met Office has advised the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings, particularly those planning to travel.