Key Highlights
- The UK is under an amber warning for snow as a freezing cold snap continues.
- Met Office yellow warnings are in place for various regions including Northern Ireland, northern and central Scotland, and coastal areas in south-west Wales and England.
- A more severe amber warning is due to come into force later in the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds, where up to 25cm of snow could fall on higher ground.
- The UK Health Security Agency has issued cold-health alerts for England until Saturday, anticipating significant impacts to the elderly and people with health conditions.
Amber Warning for Snow in UK as Freezing Cold Snap Continues
The United Kingdom is bracing itself for a severe snowfall event as a freezing cold snap continues to grip several regions. The Met Office has issued an amber warning, indicating that significant snow and ice are expected to affect areas such as the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds from 03:00 GMT on Thursday until 21:00 GMT. This warning signals a higher level of risk compared to yellow warnings already in place for other regions.
The amber warning covers an area that could see up to 25cm (approximately 10 inches) of snow fall, primarily on hills above 100 meters elevation. The Met Office has warned that this could lead to substantial disruption, especially as it coincides with the potential for thundersnow—a phenomenon where thunderstorms form in wintry weather conditions, leading to heavy snowfall rather than rain.
Impact of Thundersnow on Weather Conditions
The occurrence of thundersnow is particularly noteworthy because it adds a layer of unpredictability and intensity to the already severe weather event. The village of Leadgate in County Durham experienced this phenomenon firsthand as residents woke up to snowfall earlier that morning, highlighting the rapid changes in weather conditions.
Yellow Warnings for Snow and Ice Across Various Regions
In addition to the amber warning, yellow warnings are already in place across several regions of the UK. These include Cornwall and parts of Devon, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea; North East England, SW Scotland and Lothian Borders, Yorks & Humber; Central and northern Scotland; Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Lincolnshire; and Northern Ireland. These warnings are set to remain in effect until 23:59 GMT on Thursday.
The yellow warning system indicates that snow or ice is expected, which could affect travel, transportation, and daily life for residents in these areas. The Met Office advises drivers and travelers to be prepared for slippery roads and potential disruptions to services such as buses and trains.
Health Alerts Issued by UK Health Security Agency
The United Kingdom’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued cold-health alerts for England until Saturday, covering the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber regions. These alerts are aimed at warning vulnerable members of the community, particularly those with existing health conditions or the elderly, about the potential impacts of the severe weather.
The agency advises that extra demands may be placed on healthcare services to manage the increased needs brought on by colder temperatures. This includes preparing for higher patient volumes in hospitals and clinics, as well as ensuring adequate staffing levels to meet the anticipated surge in health-related inquiries and emergencies.
Expert Perspectives on Long-term Weather Trends
While the current weather conditions are severe, meteorologists remind that over recent decades, there has been a noticeable decrease in the frequency, duration, and intensity of cold spells. This trend is attributed to climate change, with external air and ground frosts reducing by around 25% since the 1980s according to the latest State of the Climate Report.
Despite this long-term trend towards milder winters, experts caution that such severe weather events can still occur unpredictably. They advise residents and businesses to prepare for potential disruptions and to stay informed about local weather updates through official channels like the Met Office and UKHSA.
