A blizzard is set to cause “significant disruption” in the UK on Thursday night and Friday morning.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning highlighting further snowfall in central and northern England, northern Wales and eastern Northern Ireland.
Three yellow snow warnings are also in effect, covering most of the country except southern England and western Scotland.
Jason Kelly, chief meteorologist at the Japan Meteorological Agency, said: Snow has already fallen quite extensively in central Britain, and more snow is likely to accumulate, further reducing the level, most likely to be confusion for those inside the amber exclusion zone.
“The strong winds associated with these snow showers could bring blizzard conditions to some time in northern England and Wales and parts of Northern Ireland. , nighttime temperatures could be very low, further increasing the likelihood of continued travel disruption.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Level 3 cold weather warning for the whole of England.
Agostinho Sousa, UKHSA’s Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection, said: about health.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, or if you’re over the age of 65, it’s important to heat your home to at least 18 degrees Celsius if possible.
“dangerous condition”
The worst weather could be seen in northwest Wales and northern England, where gusts of up to 50 mph and 30 to 40 centimeters of snow are expected, according to Meteorological Office meteorologist Alex Burkill.
he said: It will be very difficult and dangerous situation in the area covered with yellow alert. ”
Drivers “ideally should avoid traveling during these times,” Barkill said, adding: “If you need to leave, be aware that the journey can take a significant amount of time. please,” he added.
He added that there should be no snow in Devon and Cornwall, but that the area is forecast to experience the strongest winds of around 60 mph on Thursday night.
People in the south of England are likely to experience the worst rains.
Thursday night temperatures will be similar to Wednesday’s, the coldest night of the year, before getting even colder on Friday night.
After a record low of -16C this year in Altnahalla in the Scottish Highlands, the Scottish Highlands could see temperatures as low as -17C, Barkill said.
It was also the coldest March temperature ever seen in the UK and the coldest since 2010, when Braemar, Aberdeenshire recorded minus 18.6 degrees Celsius, according to forecasters at the Bureau of Meteorology.
The coldest March night on record was minus 22.8 degrees on March 14, 1958 at Logie Coldstone, Aberdeenshire.
Meanwhile, the mainland’s highest nighttime temperatures were 9.8°C at Caldrose, Cornwall and 10.8°C at St Mary’s Airport, Isles of Scilly.
Barkill said the “great contrast across Britain” was due to “cold Arctic air” moving from the north and a mild front covering the south.
travel chaos
Highways issued a “severe weather warning” for snow covering the Northeast, Northwest and Midlands areas through 8am Friday. Drivers are warned not to drive unless movement is essential.
Motor group RAC said there were 50% more breakdowns than usual in snow-affected areas on Thursday morning, with some drivers stranded in snow in parts of South Yorkshire and Wales. was
Group Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said:
“Given the weather, we advise you to think carefully before heading out today, as more snow forecasts will likely make road conditions worse before they get better. Not everyone wants to get caught, so those who have to drive should feel confident even on slippery surfaces, make sure their car is up to the task, You should carry an emergency breakdown kit so you can keep warm and you can easily communicate if you get stuck or break down.”
PA Media contributed to this report.