The ongoing cold snap is set to continue into next week as snow, ice and rain weather warnings cover most of the UK.
The UK ‘turned into the Alps’ this weekend as heavy snowfall in Cumbria forced drivers to abandon their cars and local police declared a major incident.
Temperatures dropped to as low as -10°C overnight – but while it’s still not clear whether we’ll have a white Christmas this year, the Arctic blast which caused this latest cold snap seems like it will continue into next week.
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The Met Office has issued four yellow warnings for snow and ice, which remain in effect until midday on Monday, and a yellow rain warning which is in place until 6pm tomorrow.
The snow and ice warnings cover vast swathes of the UK, from the Orkney Islands to southern Scotland, most of the north of England from Newcastle to Peterborough, and most of north and central Wales.
The yellow rain warning stretches from Worcester and southern Wales, and southern England from Taunton to Sussex.
The Met Office forecast for Scotland explains: ‘Occasional wintry showers will affect eastern Scotland this evening and through Monday morning, the showers falling onto frozen surfaces giving the risk of ice.
‘1-2 of snow is possible at low levels inland with 5-10cm over the hills, but showers at low levels expected to turn increasingly to rain overnight.’
The forecast which covers northern England and Wales says: ‘Modest thaw of recent snowfall will lead to wet roads and pavements.
‘With temperatures falling this evening, refreezing of thawed snow will lead to some icy patches on untreated surfaces.
‘As well as this, later in the night rain will push north across much of the the area, initially falling on to frozen surfaces.
‘Some snow is also likely, mainly across the hills and mountains of north Wales and The Peak District.
‘Snow may fall to lower levels for a time tomorrow morning, especially across parts of Wales adding to the risk of ice.’
And the yellow rain warning says: ‘Heavy rain will affect parts of southern England, South Wales and the southwest Midlands during Sunday night and Monday.
’20-30mm of rain falling widely with a few places seeing as much as 60mm.’
It’s also feared the UK could turn into an ‘ice rink’, with below-freezing temperatures leading to rain and snow re-freezing.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said northern parts of the country could be facing an ‘ice rink Monday as snow refreezes overnight’.
He added: ‘We’re expecting some very treacherous icy conditions in northern parts, so those who have to drive should exercise great caution. If it’s possible to delay or even abandon journeys that may well be the best option.
‘Those who decide to drive should leave extra space behind the vehicle in front, reduce their speeds to give plenty of time to stop.
‘Before setting out, it’s important to allow more time to de-ice and de-mist vehicles thoroughly.’
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