Ice warnings persist in the UK today due to ongoing snowfall in various regions. The Met Office alerts about hazardous conditions caused by icy surfaces due to freezing temperatures. As many as 42 locations are under Met Office ice warnings. Accumulated snow may lead to travel disruptions, prompting the Met Office to advise careful journey planning, especially on main roads.
The severe weather conditions continue to impact schools for the third consecutive day in parts of the UK. Aberdeenshire reports 35 closed schools, while additional schools in Wales, such as Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, are also affected. North Yorkshire lists six school closures due to the inclement weather.
With freezing temperatures persisting, the public is urged to exercise caution while commuting as icy road conditions prevail. The Met Office emphasizes the need for extra care when embarking on journeys due to the cold and icy start to the day.
Heavy snowfall remains a concern, with some areas in Yorkshire reporting significant snow accumulation. Traffic disruptions are noted on the A169 road due to snow, with a yellow snow and ice warning issued for parts of Yorkshire. The freezing conditions are attributed to a ridge of high pressure moving across the UK, resulting in lighter winds compared to previous nights.
Overnight temperatures plummeted, reaching as low as -11C in some areas. Scotland experienced sub-zero temperatures, with the coldest recorded at Loch Glascarnoch. England and Wales also faced chilly conditions, with temperatures dropping to -6C and -4C respectively.
BBC Weather forecasts a cold yet bright start for most regions, with the possibility of patchy rain later in the day. Temperatures are expected to gradually return to average levels by the weekend as the cold snap subsides.
The Met Office continues to issue yellow weather warnings for ice across various UK regions, prompting caution during travel. The public is advised to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions. The NHS highlights the health risks associated with cold weather, especially for vulnerable groups.
Local councils have taken proactive measures to address the icy conditions, including gritting roads and providing safety guidelines for residents. The Met Office alerts about potential thundersnow occurrences, a rare phenomenon resulting from stormy weather and freezing conditions.
As the UK grapples with wintry hazards, authorities emphasize the importance of driving safely in snowy and icy conditions. The public is encouraged to follow safety tips provided by National Highways to mitigate risks on the roads. Despite the cold spell, milder weather is expected over the weekend, bringing relief from the recent wintry conditions.