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UK weather latest: Snow and 'coldest temperatures of winter' coming to Britain
UK weather latest: Snow and cold set to continue but prospects improving next week
(about 9 hours later)
Britons heading out this weekend should brace themselves for bitterly cold conditions as the country is lashed by icy winds and snow.
Cold weather is set to continue across the UK this weekend, but a dramatic shift in winds is likely to bring relief to the country early next week.
The UK could have the coldest temperature of the winter in the next 48 hours, with up to 10cm of snow on higher ground and gales in the North East.
However, despite warnings to the contrary, the weekend won’t be the coldest of the year so far.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for the South East, the North and parts of southern Scotland, with icy roads and drifting snow potentially causing problems for travellers.
Snow fell across much of the country on Saturday, dusting lower lying areas but without settling in significant amounts, though it built up in higher places.
Health officials have warned the elderly and sick to stock up on essential medicines and food ahead of the cold snap.
Despite some warnings, travel disruption was minimal, though some accidents in Kent were reported because of icy conditions. The Cambrian Rally in north west Wales was cancelled because of heavy snow.
Temperatures across much of the UK are likely to be just a few degrees above freezing, but with winds from Scandinavia it will feel much more raw, Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said.
Temperatures dipped to 1C – 2C in most places, and a strong wind chill, caused by 15mph gusts in the South East, made it as cold as -5C in some places.
Conditions could conspire to beat the current lowest temperature of the winter so far, the minus 11C recorded at Cromdale in Moray, north-east Scotland, on December 5.
On Saturday night, temperatures will hover just above or below freezing across Britain, according to Met Office meteorologist Emma Salter.
The weather warnings are in force until 10am on Saturday, covering higher ground in the North between Sheffield and Edinburgh, and Kent and Sussex in the South East.
She said: “Sunday will have a cold start and looks like it will be a carbon copy of Saturday.”
Ms Maxey said: "In areas like the Pennines, North York Moors and the Southern Highlands we are looking at lying snow of 3-6cm above 200m and maybe as much as 10cm above 300m.
Icy roads and snow could still pose a risk to travellers and a Yellow weather warning – meaning ‘be aware’ -- remains in effect on Sunday for parts of the North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Midlands.
"Down the eastern side of the UK we are likely to see snow flurries, sleet and showers coming through, which are likely to turn wintry.
A wintery mix of weather conditions mean snow is a possibility, as strong easterly winds continue to blow in showers, which may turn to sleet and snow when they hit the land.
"We could see gales in the North East, with drifting snow, and we could see icy conditions and disruptions to transport, particularly on higher routes through the Pennines."
It is unlikely to be any warmer than 5C and the sun will remain hidden.
The cold winds from northern Europe are expected to bring sleet and snow to other eastern areas, but it is unlikely to settle.
However, the cold spell will be restricted to the weekend and conditions will return to normal next week.
Overnight into Saturday there will be widespread frosts, particularly in the West where there will be clearer skies.
Monday will be milder as the Scandinavian winds cease.
The biting wind at the weekend will leave temperatures feeling much colder.
And by Tuesday, warmer winds from the Mediterranean are expected to bring in temperatures in the double digits.
Friday will see 2C to 3C in the Midlands, London and eastern areas, with temperatures on Saturday between 3C and 5C, perhaps reaching 6C in Scotland.
Public Health England (PHE) has issued a warning amid the plummeting temperatures.
Medical director Professor Paul Cosford said: "With more cold weather across all parts of England, now is the time to really think how it could impact you and your family, particularly those who are very young, over 65 or who have heart and lung conditions.
"Try to keep homes heated to at least 18C, stock up on any essential medicine or food that you need before the cold arrives and remember that you will be warmer wearing several thin layers instead of fewer thick ones."
