As the first snowfalls of the season blanket parts of the UK, travel disruptions have been reported, and several schools have closed their doors, marking the arrival of wintry weather across the region.
Three yellow warnings for snow and ice are active across northern Scotland, northern England, Northern Ireland, the Midlands, and north-east Wales.
Adverse weather conditions have forced approximately 130 educational institutions in Powys, Wrexham, and Flintshire in Wales, along with around 50 in the West Midlands, to close.
National Rail has announced that several Northern services may experience disruptions until at least 14:00 GMT. Concurrently, National Highways has issued an amber severe weather alert for snow affecting England’s North East and North West regions.
According to BBC Weather, Nottingham has experienced a snowfall of 12cm (5in), as the East Midlands remains under a Met Office warning, which also affects Yorkshire and the North and is valid until 10:00 GMT.
A distinct warning has been issued for Northern Ireland, effective until 11:00, as forecasters predict snowfall in northern Scotland until 10:00 on Wednesday.
Overnight, the north of Scotland experienced the coldest temperatures since last winter, with minus 7.8C recorded in Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands.
Throughout the day, northern Scotland is expected to experience likely snow showers. According to BBC Weather’s Elizabeth Rizzini, southern regions of the UK are expected to experience a combination of rain, sleet, and snow as a weather system moves southeast across the nation.
According to her, this weather pattern may result in snowfall across the Chilterns, the North and South Downs, the Weald of Kent, and the hills of Wales.
In the days ahead, temperatures are projected to drop significantly below the mid-November average during the daytime, with nighttime readings anticipated to fall below freezing.
Forecasts indicate that temperatures will plummet to -2°C in London on Friday, while Birmingham is expected to experience a drop to -4°C, and regions further north could see temperatures fall to -7°C.
The BBC Weather team has highlighted the challenges of predicting snowfall at lower elevations, particularly in mid-November, when the ground and nearby seas remain relatively warm compared to the depths of winter.
This weekend, meteorologists predict a shift from the current cold air to milder south-westerly winds, which could bring with it the possibility of wet and very windy conditions.
As the wetter weather advances northward, there is a lingering possibility of snowfall, though it is expected to melt rapidly.
Darren Clark, National Highways’s severe weather resilience manager, urged motorists to exercise caution: “Maintain a safe distance and lower your speed. Even when conditions appear normal, and snow is not accumulating, ice patches or areas where fresh grit has yet to be integrated into the road surface can create slippery conditions.”
“It is advisable for drivers to carefully plan their journeys, stay updated on weather reports, and prepare a snow kit that includes blankets, food, water, and a shovel.”
Untreated roads and pavements are expected to pose slippery conditions, according to a warning from BBC Weather.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned about an elevated risk to vulnerable populations, indicating that the weather may significantly affect the overall health service.
An amber cold weather health alert has been issued for several regions, including the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber.
Checking in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours is essential as the cold weather approaches, ensuring they are adequately prepared for the challenges it may bring. “Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk,” stated Dr Agostinho Sousa, who leads the extreme events and health protection division at UKHSA.
