Key Highlights
- The UK has experienced what could be its coldest night of the year so far.
- NHS trusts are advising the public to walk like a penguin to reduce trips on icy surfaces.
- A forecast change is imminent, with temperatures expected to rise by the weekend.
- Weather warnings for ice are in place across England, Wales, and Scotland.
The UK Freezes: Coldest Night of the Year Awaits
The UK has braced itself for what could be its coldest night of the year so far. With seven yellow weather warnings for ice in force this morning, temperatures are expected to plummet to lows of -12°C (10°F) in parts of Scotland and as low as -7°C (19°F) across England and Wales.
NHS Encourages Unusual Advice
In a bid to keep the public safe from icy surfaces, some NHS trusts are recommending an unconventional method: walk like a penguin. Laura Halcrow from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde provided this advice, stating:
“It might look funny, but waddling really works. A slip on ice can cause painful injuries and even hospital stays, especially for older people.”
This unusual recommendation stems from the fact that penguins have a low center of gravity, making them less likely to fall when walking in icy conditions.
Forecasting a Change
Meteorologist Simon Partridge explained the weather pattern: “The main reason for that is we’ve got a little ridge of high pressure moving across the UK overnight – and basically the main difference between that and previous nights is the winds are a lot lighter.” He added, “Friday is really the end of the really cold weather as things turn back to average by the time we get into the weekend.”
Despite the imminent warmer weather, commuters are being advised to allow extra travel time. Ice could form on roads, and pedestrians should stick to pavements while cyclists are encouraged to use main roads due to their potentially slippery surfaces.
Amerging from the Cold
While the current cold snap reaches its climax, the British weather is expected to become milder by the weekend. However, this change will be accompanied by wet and windy conditions, with potential heavy rain. Jo Wheeler from Sky News commented:
“The British weather, fickle as always, looks like delivering a brief change to this milder westerly flow followed by an equally quick change back to a chilly northerly flow.”
For now, gritters have been out in force to treat roads in the hardest-hit areas, especially in North Yorkshire. Schools were also affected yesterday as wintry weather forced closures due to challenging conditions and power outages.
Weather Warnings Expire Tomorrow
Ambient health alerts covering the North East and North West of England will expire at 8 am tomorrow, while amber alerts across the rest of the country are expected to expire by lunchtime. The Met Office predicts that showers could fall as rain, sleet, or small hail at low levels, with up to 3 cm of snow possible on higher ground.
The situation remains a cause for concern, especially as temperatures begin to rise and conditions change quickly. Public health officials are urging caution and following expert advice to ensure safety during the winter weather.
