Advertisement

More snow set for the UK as temperatures plummet overnight to coldest in nearly two years

The UK froze on the coldest night in nearly two years as people across the country were faced with more snow.

Snow was forecast for areas from northern Scotland to the Home Counties on Sunday, with wintry conditions gripping most of the UK.

Temperatures plummeted overnight on Saturday, reaching a low of -13.5C (7.7F) in the Highland village of Dalwhinnie, while freezing temperatures were recorded as far south as London Luton Airport.

It marked the coldest temperature recorded in the UK since February 14 2016, when minus 14.1C (6.6F) was recorded at Braemar.

Despite icy temperatures in the far north, the mercury rose to 11C in the (52F) in the far south west of England.

<em>More snow – snow was already falling in some areas on Sunday, with more predicted (Pictures: PA)</em>
More snow – snow was already falling in some areas on Sunday, with more predicted (Pictures: PA)

The Met Office updated a yellow “be aware” warning of snow and ice to cover much of Scotland, north Wales and England down to southern parts.

The warning, valid from 6am until 6pm, predicts snow on higher routes and the possibility of rainfall on frozen surfaces, particularly across Scotland, following a very cold night.

MORE: What you should actually do in a nuclear attack (and why most people get it wrong)
MORE: Cure for hay fever could be here within three years after successful human trial

It is thought that the icy cold weather could bring disruption to road, bus and train journeys in affected areas.

Traffic Scotland urged drivers to check their routes before setting off and to ensure they are carrying emergency supplies in case they get stuck while North Wales Police also warned of poor conditions on the roads due to snow and ice, particularly on routes in Snowdonia.

<em>Warning – the icy cold weather is likely to cause disruption on roads, rail and air journeys</em>
Warning – the icy cold weather is likely to cause disruption on roads, rail and air journeys

And in Northern Ireland, a yellow warning of ice is in force until 9am on Sunday, while a yellow warning of rain runs until 3pm.

Snowy conditions saw people flock to Scottish ski resorts over the weekend, with skiers facing six-mile tailbacks as they flocked to the slopes at Glencoe Mountain Resort to take advantage of the conditions.

Drivers abandoned their cars on the roads as they tried to reach the resorts where car parks were full, prompting police warn them that cars causing obstructions – also hampering the efforts of gritters – may be seized.

<em>Snow day – young lions play in the snow at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Strirling after snowfall in Central Scotland</em>
Snow day – young lions play in the snow at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Strirling after snowfall in Central Scotland

On Friday in Glencoe, blizzard conditions hampered a rescue operation to save two ski tourers stranded without shelter at 3,000ft.

The pair were winched into a coastguard helicopter at first light on Saturday before being taken to hospital by ambulance.

The weekend’s icy blast comes after people were urged to stay off the roads on Friday, while on Tuesday night more than 200 motorists were stranded overnight on the M74 as heavy snow and ice caused treacherous driving conditions.