Snow and ice warnings have been issued across large parts of the UK as a surge of Arctic air triggers the first major cold spell of the season, with temperatures forecast to drop well below freezing in the coming days.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across Scotland and northern England for Tuesday, while the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed amber and yellow cold-health alerts across northern England and the Midlands until Friday.
These alerts highlight increased risks to older people, those with existing health conditions and other vulnerable groups, with health and social care services expected to face added pressure.
The sudden cold follows an exceptionally mild start to November, when temperatures were 3–6C above average. Now, a strong northerly wind is pushing cold Arctic air across the UK, sending temperatures 3–6C below the seasonal norm.
Rain moving south and east across the country on Monday night and Tuesday is expected to turn to snow in areas where temperatures have fallen sharply. Northern and eastern Scotland are under a yellow snow warning from early Tuesday until 18:00, with 5–10cm expected over high ground and 2–5cm at lower levels.
Some higher routes may become impassable, and rail travel could face delays. Snow is also expected over the North Pennines and North York Moors.
Further heavy and frequent snow showers will continue across northern Scotland through Tuesday night and into Thursday, with another snow and ice warning in force. Ice is also a widespread concern, with multiple warnings covering Scotland and northern England through Tuesday morning.
By Wednesday, temperatures will struggle to rise above 2–5C, but strong winds will make it feel several degrees colder.
Snow showers could reach Northern Ireland, eastern England, west Wales and even parts of south-west England, with the possibility of thundersnow in the heaviest bursts.
Thursday night is expected to be the coldest yet, with temperatures plunging below zero and reaching -12C in rural Scotland. Conditions will begin to ease by the weekend as milder Atlantic air moves in, bringing more cloud, some rain and a slight rise in temperatures.
