The UK is bracing itself for severe winter weather this weekend, as the Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for snow and icy conditions across multiple regions. With temperatures plummeting, the public is urged to exercise caution as forecasts predict hazardous travel conditions and the potential for accidents caused by slipping on ice.
According to BBC meteorologist Sarah Keith-Lucas, the weekend weather will start relatively calm but will soon turn disruptive. "We have got some cold weather on the way this weekend... things are going to turn quite disruptive," she stated during BBC's Breakfast show. Areas under amber warnings include Gloucestershire, parts of Wales, Birmingham, Worcestershire, Manchester, and Northern England, with warnings effective from late Saturday evening to midday Sunday.
London is preparing for significant snowfall, with forecasts predicting seven hours of snow starting around 8 PM on Saturday. Residents could wake up to several inches blanketing the city on Sunday morning, with temperatures dropping to as low as -1°C. Despite the weather app’s snowy outlook, there remains some uncertainty about exact conditions, as sleet might interrupt the flurries around 10 PM.
The Met Office has advised Londoners to plan their journeys thoroughly, anticipating potential transport disruptions due to the ice and snow. Presently, London has been issued with the least severe yellow-level warning, signifying some likely transport disruptions and risks of slips and falls.
While the capital faces manageable snow accumulation, other regions, such as Darlington, are bracing for potentially larger snowfalls. Snowfall is expected to hit the region beginning Saturday evening, carrying through to Sunday morning. Residents there are under not only yellow warnings but also amber ones, which signal more severe hazardous conditions. Reports suggest significant accumulations of up to 14 inches could be possible, especially over higher grounds like the Pennines.
Warrington is also seeing stark weather advisories this weekend, with forecasts demonstrating heavy snow beginning at around 10 PM Saturday. With temperatures near freezing and warnings of freezing rain and ice, the public is reminded to be rather cautious if intending to venture outside.
For the weekend, weather forecasts indicate fluctuated temperatures across the UK. Saturday will not climb higher than 3°C for many, with overcast skies becoming prevalent throughout the day. A drop-off to around 0°C is expected during the night, making icy conditions even more likely as snow begins to settle.
Sunday appears to be milder for some, with temperatures anticipated to rise to 12°C across southern regions. Nevertheless, wind gusts could reach up to 43 mph, driving rain back across the southern parts by the day's end. "Much milder toward the south so snow will quickly turn back to rain across the southern parts of England and Wales," warned Keith-Lucas.
The public is strongly advised to stay updated with the latest weather warnings this weekend. The Met Office is encouraging individuals to review forecasts frequently, especially amid unpredictable winter weather. Bouts of snow, sleet, and freezing rain could create difficult conditions on the roads, as well as during any morning commutes on Sunday.
Local news outlets echo these advisories, reminding residents to dress sensibly and avoid risky outdoor activities if possible. Given the potential for dangerous conditions, planning is key for ensuring safety as this wintry spell sets over the UK, highlighting the need for vigilance amid the extreme weather precautions.