UK Faces Coldest Night of the Year as Temperatures Plunge
Britain is gearing up for its chilliest night yet, with temperatures expected to drop as low as a bone-chilling -15°C in some areas. The icy blast is gripping large parts of the UK, sparking warnings and travel chaos.
Snow and Ice Warnings Across UK
Yellow warnings for snow and ice cover Scotland, northern England, and north Wales until midnight Tuesday, while Northern Ireland is on alert until 11am. The Met Office predicts a “persistent band of snow” sweeping across these regions over several hours.
Met forecaster Craig Snell warned: “In the early hours of the morning we’re looking at temperatures getting down to -12°C in a few spots, Tuesday night possibly down to -15°C. So certainly a very cold spell ahead.”
Road Chaos and School Closures Hit Hard
More than 100 schools have shut their doors as the Arctic freeze bites. Temperatures hit -9°C this morning, dipping further tonight. Icicles were seen hanging from fountains in London’s Trafalgar Square – a rare sight.
Lancashire and Merseyside police reported a surge in road accidents due to icy conditions. Drivers have been warned to prepare for possible stranding in heavy snow. Liverpool saw 36 schools close and bin collections suspended as crews focus on clearing footpaths.
Snowfall Set to Deepen, Travel Disruptions Expected
- Up to 4 inches (10 cm) of snow forecast for northern England and Wales
- Scottish Highlands could see up to 8 inches (20 cm)
- North West Scotland likely to accumulate over 1ft 4 inches (40 cm) by Friday
Temperatures plunged to -16.5°C on Aonach Mòr in Scotland early Monday, while southern regions like Oxfordshire and Dorset also shivered at -8°C. Airports including Gatwick and Exeter logged lows around -6°C, potentially affecting flights.
Authorities urge caution: London Fire Brigade warns against walking on frozen lakes, and National Rail warns the wintry weather will disrupt train services throughout the week. Rural communities face the risk of becoming cut off.
What’s Next?
The deep freeze is set to ease over the weekend, with milder, wetter, and windier weather moving in from the west. But the thaw could bring its own headaches, with flooding and further travel warnings on the horizon.
