The United Kingdom is currently in the grip of a severe cold snap, with widespread ice and snow warnings extending across various regions. Following a day of significant disruption that saw hundreds of schools shut down and numerous roads closed, forecasters predict even more treacherous conditions overnight.
Widespread Warnings and Plummeting Temperatures
The Met Office has issued multiple yellow warnings for ice, covering north-east Scotland, western Wales, south-west England, England's east coast, East Lothian, and the Scottish Borders, lasting into Friday. These come in addition to existing snow and ice warnings already affecting several areas. A more severe amber warning for snow is in effect for the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds, where up to 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) of snow is anticipated. Thursday night is expected to be the coldest of the week, with temperatures widely dropping below freezing and potentially reaching a brutal -12C in rural Scotland.
Health Alerts for Vulnerable Populations
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated cold-health alerts across England until Saturday. These alerts signal potential significant impacts on the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, urging health and social care services to prepare for increased demand. Alex Parker from Age UK’s North Yorkshire branch expressed profound concern for vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the challenges they face in maintaining daily activities, staying warm, and accessing essential supplies like food, drink, and medication. He strongly advises people to check on their elderly or vulnerable friends and neighbours.
Disruption Across the Nation
Snowfall has blanketed large parts of the country. Altnaharra in northern Scotland and Loch Glascarnoch in west Scotland both recorded 9 cm of snow by Thursday morning. The existing yellow snow and ice warnings, extending into Thursday night, cover regions including Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Swansea, north-east England, south-west Scotland, and Yorkshire & Humber. Low-lying areas in these regions could see 2 to 5cm of snow, while northern Scotland's highest ground might receive 10 to 20cm.
The amber snow warning in the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds predicts significant disruption, potentially accompanied by gusty winds, blizzard conditions, and even isolated lightning strikes, adding to the hazards.
School Closures and Travel Chaos
The adverse weather has led to extensive school closures. Approximately 40 schools in North Yorkshire and 10 in East Yorkshire were closed on Thursday. North-east Scotland experienced even greater disruption, with over 100 schools shuttered across Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands due to heavy snow.
Road networks have been severely affected. Major routes like parts of the A90 in Scotland were closed for several hours, and Traffic Scotland reported the A939 near Tomintoul was shut at the snow gate. In Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police warned of perilous driving conditions in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, leading to road closures and the cancellation of many bus services. National Grid engineers are actively addressing "several separate incidents" in western Wales caused by the weather. Forty schools in Pembrokeshire, seven in Ceredigion, and 14 in Carmarthenshire also ceased operations.
Public Impact and Resilience
Despite the challenges, some found moments of enjoyment. Ela McLoughlin, 14, in Crymych, welcomed her day off school, joining family for a walk up Foel Drygarn where they spotted people skiing. However, for many, the cold snap is a hardship. David Jefferson, 79, from Beverley, described the snow as "difficult to walk in, especially when you get to my time of life," echoing a common sentiment with "The sooner it goes the better really."
As the UK braces for continued cold, the emphasis remains on safety, community support, and vigilance against the harsh winter conditions.
