Northern parts of Scotland have been placed under an Amber weather warning as winter weather conditions maintain their firm grip on the United Kingdom. The Met Office has extended its warnings for snow and ice across the northern half of the country, including Scotland, Northern Ireland, parts of northwest and southwest England, and north and west Wales, creating potential hazards for the population.
The persistent presence of frigid Arctic air continues to dominate the UK, with snow and icy conditions expected to persist through the weekend. As a result, a series of Met Office weather warnings remain in effect for Wednesday and Thursday, with an Amber warning for snow now additionally covering northern parts of Scotland. This warning indicates that high-altitude areas could see snowfall exceeding 40cm before the weekend, while lower-lying regions in northern Scotland may accumulate between 5-10cm of snow.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly, commented on the situation, saying, “With substantial snow already blanketing the ground across much of the northern UK, we anticipate significant snowfall in the coming days, particularly in northern Scotland.
Within the Amber warning zone, some areas may experience an additional 15-20cm of snow, and the strengthening northwesterly winds could cause drifting, potentially leading to temporary blizzard conditions,” he added.
These weather warnings underscore the ongoing potential for travel disruption, power outages, and the risk of rural communities being cut off. Sub-zero temperatures are forecasted to linger until Friday for many regions, with overnight lows plummeting to -3°C or -4°C across the UK, and even lower where snow cover is present.
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Cold-Health Alert for England, drawing attention to the significant health and social care sector impacts that could result from the cold weather. Dr. Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of checking on vulnerable individuals during this cold snap to ensure their well-being.
A Change in Weather Patterns
Relief from the cold Arctic air is anticipated as milder Atlantic air begins to push into the UK from the south starting on Friday. While temperatures will gradually rise from the recent deep freeze, the shift in air mass brings the prospect of wet and windy conditions over the weekend for most regions.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Dan Rudman, elaborated on the impending weather change, saying, “Although the next few days will remain chilly, we anticipate a shift in weather patterns that will introduce milder air for the UK, bringing temperatures closer to the seasonal average from Friday onwards, and even above average into the following week.
He added, “This transition is initially expected to have minimal weather impacts, with a dry Friday and start to Saturday for many in the south of the UK. However, the Atlantic influence will reintroduce wet and windy conditions, with a deep area of low pressure approaching from the west on Sunday. While the details are still being refined, this system has the potential to bring heavy rain and strong winds to some regions, leading to a wide warning being issued.
The Met Office is continuously monitoring the situation, and updates to warnings are expected as the weekend approaches. It is advised to stay informed with the latest Met Office forecasts, especially for those planning to travel or engage in outdoor activities during this period. The exception to the relatively calm start to the weekend is expected in northern and western Scotland, where showers may persist on Friday and Saturday, often falling as snow on higher ground.
