The Met Office predicts a bitter cold snap with temperatures dropping to -15C and several days of snow across the UK
Leicester: The Met Office is sounding the alarm about some seriously cold weather coming our way. They’re saying we might hit -15C, which could be the coldest day this winter. Plus, we could be looking at four more days of snow, ice, and even flooding warnings across the UK.
Right now, there are severe weather warnings in place for snow and ice, and they might update those as the week goes on. Today, some areas could see temperatures drop to around -3°C. Jason Kelly, the Chief Forecaster, mentioned that the cold weather is sticking around, and we should expect more snow showers, especially in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. If you’re away from the northern coasts, you might catch some sunshine, but it’ll still feel pretty chilly with that northerly breeze. Just be careful if you’re out and about, especially with the risk of ice forming overnight.
With all the heavy rain and melting snow, there’s a flood risk too. Stefan Laeger from the Environment Agency said that significant river flooding is likely in Leicestershire today, and some other areas might see minor flooding as well. They’re working hard to manage the situation and keep everyone safe.
He’s urging folks to stay alert and be cautious if you’re traveling. Just a heads up: don’t drive through floodwater, as even a small amount can sweep your car away. You can check your flood risk online and sign up for free warnings to stay informed.
On Wednesday afternoon, there’s a chance of some snowfall in southern England. Jason explained that weather conditions will shift, bringing milder air and moisture from the Atlantic. This could lead to some snow, especially in higher areas, but it’s still a bit uncertain how far north it will reach.
As we head into Thursday and Friday, expect more cold temperatures and likely snow and ice warnings. The forecast is still being closely monitored, so keep an eye on updates for your area.
Chris Almond, the Deputy Chief Forecaster, mentioned that Thursday night could be particularly cold, with temperatures possibly hitting -15°C in places with snow cover. As we move into Friday, a front from the west might bring sleet or snow to some southern and western regions, but again, it’s still a bit up in the air.
By Sunday, we should see milder air moving in, which means rain is more likely than snow as the weekend wraps up. Northern Ireland and Western Scotland might see some rain, while the southern and eastern parts could enjoy drier conditions.