Met Office issues 15-hour snow and ice warning as 'arctic air' hits Merseyside

Snow fall in 2023 on the Liverpool waterfront and Beatles statue. Photo by Colin Lane
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Cold temperatures, ice and further snow feature on the forecast for the coming days in what the Met Office deemed is the country’s “first taste of winter”. Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said snow has mostly fallen on hilltops so far on Monday.

But more snow and ice is expected over the coming days, with temperatures plunging to below average levels for the time of year. Ms Maxey said: “It is going to be quite a widely cold week. A few degrees below average both day and night for most of the country.”

There is a possibility of 15-20cm (around 6-7.8in) of snow on ground above 300m (984ft), 5-10cm (around 2-4in) in areas higher than 200m (656ft), with a “chance” snow could hit lower levels and cause road disruption – although the likelihood of that remains “uncertain”.

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Ms Maxey continued: “There’s likely to be a widespread frost overnight as we get this colder air coming in from the arctic maritime air mass – cold air from the north pushing down across the country – which will be across the whole country by the middle of the week."

The Met Office issued several yellow weather warnings for snow and ice for parts of the UK and will likely issue further alerts. A weather warning covering Merseyside is in place for 15 hours, from 7pm on Monday to 10am on Tuesday.

According to the Met Office's map, snow could hit parts of Liverpool, Wirral and Knowsley. Sefton should escape the winter weather. There is a chance of power cuts, disruption to road and public transport and the risk of injury from slipping on ice.

Met Office map shows areas affected by the yellow snow and ice weather warning
Met Office map shows areas affected by the yellow snow and ice weather warning -Credit:Met Office

The Met Office added: "Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).

"People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."

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