Key Highlights
- Hundreds of UK schools closed due to heavy snowfall.
- Coldest night of autumn experienced in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Amber weather warnings issued for northern Scotland and parts of Yorkshire.
- Advice given to drivers on how to navigate icy conditions.
The Heaviest Snowfall in Years Brings Disruption Across the UK
This is certainly the heaviest snowfall I’ve seen since moving here almost 20 years ago, our reporter in Pembrokeshire writes. The severe weather conditions have forced hundreds of schools across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to close for the day.
Coldest Night of Autumn
The UK has experienced its coldest night of autumn so far, with temperatures dropping as low as -6.1C in Warcop, Cumbria, and -5.9C in Sennybridge, Powys. The Met Office issued yellow warnings for snow and ice, affecting Northern Ireland, northern and central Scotland, coastal areas in south-west Wales, and south-west, east, and north-east England.
An amber warning is in force in the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds, where up to 15-25cm (6-10ins) of snow could fall on higher ground. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold-health alerts for the North East and North West of England, as well as in Yorkshire and The Humber.
School Closures and Travel Disruptions
In Scotland, more than 100 schools have been closed due to heavy snow. Aberdeenshire Council reports dozens of schools unable to open after another night of wintry weather. Schools in Moray and the Highlands are also affected.
Major roads, including parts of the A90, have shut down, with police advising drivers to avoid the area.
In Wales, several schools have closed as wintry showers continue this morning. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, potentially leading to up to 10cm (4in) of snow in some areas, particularly on higher ground. A total of 31 school closures were announced in Pembrokeshire alone.
Drivers are urged to delay their journeys or work from home if possible. The RAC has issued guidance for motorists, emphasizing the importance of preparing cars and checking tire tread before driving in icy conditions.
Expert Advice on Handling Snowfall
The Met Office forecast indicates that temperatures could drop further throughout the day. In addition to the yellow warnings, an amber warning is in force until 21:00 GMT tonight for the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds.
Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and plan accordingly. The UK Health Security Agency’s cold-health alerts remind people to take necessary precautions during prolonged periods of extreme cold.
For those on benefits, a Cold Weather Payment of £25 is available if the average temperature in their area drops below 0C over seven consecutive days.
Our Weather Watchers have captured several images from across the UK, showcasing the heavy snowfall and its impact on daily life. It was a chilly night for many, with temperatures dropping to -6.1C in Warcop, Cumbria; -5.8C in Sennybridge, Wales; -4.8C in Drumnadrochit, Scotland; and -2.8C in Altnahinch Filters, Northern Ireland.
Stay up-to-date with the latest weather information on our separate regional live page. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, please contact us via WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803.
In a true British fashion, people are bracing themselves for another cold morning, with frost forming on windshields and snow covering the ground. This article is a testament to the resilience of communities facing severe weather conditions head-on.
