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UK weather: More snow and frost to hit parts of Britain as temperatures plummet

Walkers brave snowy conditions in Macclesfield, Cheshire at the weekend. (PA)
Walkers brave snowy conditions in Macclesfield, Cheshire at the weekend. (PA)

Britons should prepare for snow and frost this week as ‘increasingly cold conditions grip the UK, according to the Met Office.

The UK experienced a relatively mild start to the New Year – but temperatures have steadily plummeted, with weather warnings of ice, snow and gale force winds put in place for the north, midlands and Scotland.

But the Met Office’s latest forecast predicts temperatures are set to drop further, with the cold snap making way for heavy rain and snow in parts of the country.

The Met Office warned of a heightened risk of snow showers, icy conditions and overnight frosts from Monday until midweek.

The Met Office warned drivers and commuters to take extra care when travelling by road.

A graphic showing the coldest temperatures recorded in the UK. (PA)
A graphic showing the coldest temperatures recorded in the UK. (PA)

Steve Wilmington, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said of the week ahead: ‘The cold weather will continue to bring a risk of snow showers, icy conditions and widespread overnight frosts during the first part of the week.

‘Though parts of England and Wales will see low cloud giving way to sunny spells on Monday, elsewhere, strong winds, heavy rain and hill snow will move into north western areas.

‘Wintry showers of rain, sleet, hail and snow will then follow from Tuesday.’

Mr Wilmington explained that by Tuesday, the north and west of the country are most likely to experience rain and snow – particularly in areas with lower ground.

Forecasts show ice will be widespread across the country by Tuesday morning.

Continuing, Mr Wilmington said: ‘These wintry showers will be most frequent and heaviest in the north and west, allowing snow to settle to lower levels at times across these parts, especially on Tuesday night.

‘Icy conditions and frost are also expected through this period and may be particularly widespread on Tuesday morning.’

Towards the end of the week, the Met Office predicts the cold start to the week will, for a time, turn warmer, bringing a reduced likelihood of frost, snow and ice.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Tony Wardle, said: ‘Our latest forecast shows signs of a change to less cold weather from Friday due to a westerly wind pattern, rather than colder north-easterly winds as previous forecasts suggested.’

But following the brief rise, temperatures will fall at the beginning of next week, making way for wintry and icy conditions.

Rowers in the early morning mist in Henley-on-Thames, Berkshire, on Monday. (PA)
Rowers in the early morning mist in Henley-on-Thames, Berkshire, on Monday. (PA)

Continuing, Mr Wardle said: ‘Beyond this briefly less cold spell, it looks like temperatures will once again take a downward turn with the chance of snow, ice and frosts returning next week.

‘Looking further ahead, there are signs for a generally cold theme continuing into February.’

So far this year, Braemar in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, have endured the coldest temperatures with a chilling –10.8C.

The highland-based town recorded the coldest ever temperature in the UK on January 10, 1982, with a shivering -27.2C.

In collaboration with Met Office’s cold weather forecasts, Public Health England (PHE) have released health advice to help the public stay well this winter.

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Dr Emer O’Connell of PHE said: ‘Experience shows us that every winter thousands of people are seriously affected and even die from illnesses linked to the cold. Protecting yourself from the cold may seem like common sense but many people do not manage to keep themselves warm.

‘If you know someone at risk, someone over 65, anyone with dementia or a heart and lung condition, or a young child, check up on them and see if there’s anything you can do to help.

‘All of us should be heating our homes to at least 18C, keeping up to date with weather forecasts and planning our days around them – simple steps can really help protect against the cold.’