By Samantha Jones-
UK temperatures have plunged below freezing, leading to widespread school closures in Scotland and England. Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued, causing travel disruptions and frigid conditions across much of Britain.
Many parts of the UK experienced a bone-chilling night, with temperatures dropping as low as -15°C in some areas. Northern England, including Merseyside, awakened to a blanket of snow on Tuesday morning, with forecasts predicting more persistent sleet and snow throughout the day.
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The northern and eastern regions of Scotland bore the brunt of the snowfall on Monday, recording up to 15cm at Aberdeen Airport. The impact of the cold weather prompted approximately 200 schools in Aberdeenshire, Moray, and Shetland to close on Monday, with several remaining shut or delaying their openings on Tuesday.
In response to the adverse weather conditions, a primary school cited dangerous road conditions and a lack of transportation as reasons for closure. In Merseyside, schools such as Riverside Primary, Holly Lodge Girl’s College, and Gateacre School were also affected by the severe weather, announcing closures.
Arctic Plunge Continues
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The Met Office describes the cold weather as a “plunge of Arctic air” sweeping south across the entire country, resulting in temperatures 5-6°C lower than usual for this time of year. Forecaster Craig Snell warns of a “persistent band of snow” over Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England and Wales on Tuesday.
He added, “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 into Wednesday.”
National Highways has issued a severe alert for snow affecting the north-west on Tuesday, advising drivers to plan ahead. Rural communities are also cautioned about the potential for temporary cut-offs due to adverse weather conditions.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a Cold-Health Alert, highlighting potential impacts on the health and social care sector. Additionally, the government has confirmed that thousands of households will be eligible for cold weather payments. These payments aim to assist vulnerable individuals, including pensioners, in covering heating costs during extreme cold spells.
Affected areas for cold weather payments include Cumbria, Oxfordshire, Yorkshire, Northumberland, Norfolk, Staffordshire, and Powys in Wales. Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page emphasized the likelihood of widespread frost, deep snow accumulation in the north, and the possibility of drifting or blizzard conditions due to strong winds.
As the Arctic blast maintains its grip, authorities advise the public to exercise caution, plan journeys in advance, and allow extra time for travel during these challenging weather conditions. The severe cold spell is expected to persist until Wednesday, posing challenges for both individuals and communities across the UK.
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