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Snow: UK sees lowest March temperatures since 2010 Snow: UK sees lowest March temperatures since 2010
(about 3 hours later)
Dog walkers out in the early morning snow on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle, BerkshireDog walkers out in the early morning snow on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle, Berkshire
The UK has recorded its coldest March temperature since 2010, with the wintry spring conditions bringing snowfall in several parts of the country.The UK has recorded its coldest March temperature since 2010, with the wintry spring conditions bringing snowfall in several parts of the country.
In the Highlands the mercury plummeted to -15.2C overnight in Kinbrace.In the Highlands the mercury plummeted to -15.2C overnight in Kinbrace.
Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place for the south and east of England, south Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland until early Thursday. More snow is on the way, with a new amber warning issued for the Peak District and Pennines from Thursday, and rural areas could be cut off.
Less severe yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place for areas around the UK until early Thursday.
The Met Office operates a tiered warning system, with amber being a higher level of risk.
It warns heavy snow on Thursday could mean"significant disruption" with "travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers" and power cuts expected.
Some evening rush hour commuters will face disruption, and the Met Office is warning power cuts are likely.Some evening rush hour commuters will face disruption, and the Met Office is warning power cuts are likely.
BBC Weather says many areas of the UK will only see rain during the day. National Highways has warned drivers in the West Midlands and the East of England not to travel unless their journey is essential.
Heavier snowfall across a band of the country largely covering the north of England, north Wales, Northern Ireland and most of Scotland is then more likely to arrive on Thursday. A spokesman for the RAC told the BBC there had been an "increase in breakdowns in a zone that stretched from London west along the M4 corridor and into Wales earlier [on Wednesday] morning".
Temperatures also dropped to lows of -8C in the north of England. He said based on breakdown volumes it appeared many drivers had chosen to work from home instead of braving the cold weather.
Flights from Bristol Airport had earlier have been suspended due to the snowfall, with a "snow clearing operation" taking place. "Even a little snow and ice can make roads treacherous, so we're advising everyone who does set out to proceed extremely cautiously," he added.
It has reopened but there is still some flight disruption. ScotRail says it aims to run a full service this week, but has advised passengers to check their journeys as disruption is possible. National Rail has also warned snowy and icy conditions could affect south-eastern services over the next few days.
The current warnings in place are:
An amber snow warning is in place for the Peak District and Pennines from 15:00 GMT Thursday until midday on Friday
A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place across parts of Wales, and southern and central parts of England until 07:00 on Thursday
A yellow warning for snow and ice for the Scottish Highlands from 18:00 this evening until 10:00 on Thursday
Another yellow warning for snow and ice in the south east of Scotland, taking in the coast from Edinburgh down to Newcastle upon Tyne, taking effect from 17:00 Wednesday until 07:00 on Thursday
A yellow warning for just snow is in place from 07:00 on Thursday until 14:00 on Friday, taking in Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, central and northern England, and the Scottish central belt. The snow warning had earlier taken in a larger area including central and northeast Scotland
A Met Office amber warning for #snow has been issued for parts of the Peak District and Pennines tomorrow into Friday. Significant disruption is likely. https://t.co/USszqI4UI4 pic.twitter.com/Kvrx8Y5Q9Y
BBC Weather has said many areas of the UK will only see rain during the day on Wednesday, with heavier snowfall across the north of England, north Wales, Northern Ireland and most of Scotland more likely to arrive on Thursday.
Wednesday temperatures dropped to lows of -8C in the north of England.
Flights from Bristol Airport were earlier suspended due to the snowfall, with a number of routes cancelled.
In the north of Scotland, temperatures will stay below freezing over the course of Wednesday.In the north of Scotland, temperatures will stay below freezing over the course of Wednesday.
Across the hills of Wales, temperatures will remain close to freezing, while across the south of England, temperatures will come up to 2C or 3C during the afternoon - making it well below average for this time of year.Across the hills of Wales, temperatures will remain close to freezing, while across the south of England, temperatures will come up to 2C or 3C during the afternoon - making it well below average for this time of year.
More than 100 schools in south Wales have now been closed due to the snow.More than 100 schools in south Wales have now been closed due to the snow.
Follow live as UK records coldest March night since 2010Follow live as UK records coldest March night since 2010
How to drive in snow and icy weatherHow to drive in snow and icy weather
The bitter conditions will persist until the weekend, with the conditions expected to worsen further north later in week.
BBC Weather's Jennifer Bartram says the cold spell is due to a change in wind direction "with northerly winds bringing cold air down from the Arctic".
Significant disruption is likely in places, the Met Office has warned, adding stronger winds could lead to blizzard conditions and drifting of snow.
Forecasters predict snow is more likely to settle as the cold weather moves across much of northern England, Northern Ireland and most of Scotland on Thursday.
The snow-covered Alnwick Castle and surrounding fields was postcard-perfectThe snow-covered Alnwick Castle and surrounding fields was postcard-perfect
BBC forecaster Simon King said heavy snow had fallen across south Wales, the south Midlands and the south of England. BBC Weather's Jennifer Bartram says the cold spell is due to a change in wind direction "with northerly winds bringing cold air down from the Arctic".
He said: "There is a lot of sleet of rain across the coast and the far south of England, so it's a bit messy. It is predicted snow is more likely to settle as the cold weather moves across much of northern England, Northern Ireland and most of Scotland on Thursday.
"That will turn into snow in parts of Wales, the Midlands and the south Pennines as we go into the evening." She said although it was not unusual to have snow and cold weather at the start of March, "this feels like a bit of a shock to the system after what was a mild and relatively dry February for most".
Meanwhile, across the south of England, the rain will move through this afternoon.
"The snow from this morning will be washed away by mild air, and the rain will move in later."
To prepare for the cold spell, two old coal-fired power plants started generating power again on Tuesday to help prevent potential shortfalls.
The plants in West Burton in Lincolnshire were due to close last September, but the government requested they stay open for an extra six months amid fears of possible power shortages.
Early morning braved the cold at King Edward's Bay, near Tynemouth on the north east coast of England on Wednesday morningEarly morning braved the cold at King Edward's Bay, near Tynemouth on the north east coast of England on Wednesday morning
A picturesque snow-covered mountain reflects off the water at Lochcarron in the HighlandsA picturesque snow-covered mountain reflects off the water at Lochcarron in the Highlands
BBC forecaster Ms Bartram said that although it was not unusual to have snow and cold weather at the start of March, "this feels like a bit of a shock to the system after what was a mild and relatively dry February for most". BBC forecaster Simon King said there was a lot of sleet of rain across the coast and the far south of England" following the snowfall, so it was "a bit messy".
"Our main concerns over the next few days are the impacts of snow and ice, which is likely to cause disruption, such as travel delays and cancellations, stranded vehicles and power cuts", she added. "That will turn into snow in parts of Wales, the Midlands and the south Pennines as we go into the evening."
The current warnings in place are: To prepare for the cold spell, two old coal-fired power plants to help prevent potential shortfalls.
A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place across parts of Wales, and southern and central parts of England until 07:00 GMT on Thursday, with a similar warning for the Scottish Highlands from 18:00 this evening until 10:00 on Thursday The plants in West Burton in Lincolnshire were due to close last September, but the government requested they stay open for an extra six months amid fears of possible power shortages.
A yellow warning for just snow is in place from 07:00 on Thursday until 14:00 on Friday, taking in Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, central and northern England, and the Scottish central belt. The snow warning had earlier taken in a larger area including central and northeast Scotland
Even the sheep seem to be enjoying the snow in north EnglandEven the sheep seem to be enjoying the snow in north England
The snow fell heavily in Aberdeen, ScotlandThe snow fell heavily in Aberdeen, Scotland
Some ski resorts in Scotland have opened runs after the heavy snowfall, with Snowsport Scotland saying it hoped the recent weather would be "the start to another boost for the mountains".Some ski resorts in Scotland have opened runs after the heavy snowfall, with Snowsport Scotland saying it hoped the recent weather would be "the start to another boost for the mountains".
"Looking at the forecast, this could be our biggest week of the year," said Alison Grove from Snowsport Scotland."Looking at the forecast, this could be our biggest week of the year," said Alison Grove from Snowsport Scotland.
Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands dropped to -7.6C (18F) overnight on Monday and the hamlet was covered in 12cm (4.7in) of snow - more snow than anywhere else in the UK.Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands dropped to -7.6C (18F) overnight on Monday and the hamlet was covered in 12cm (4.7in) of snow - more snow than anywhere else in the UK.
In Scotland, dozens of schools have already been closed as heavy snow continues to cause disruption.In Scotland, dozens of schools have already been closed as heavy snow continues to cause disruption.
A group of women swimmers brave the freezing conditions as they gather to celebrate International Women's Day at King Edward's Bay, near TynemouthA group of women swimmers brave the freezing conditions as they gather to celebrate International Women's Day at King Edward's Bay, near Tynemouth
Some people took their four-legged friends for a stroll in near the beach at BlythSome people took their four-legged friends for a stroll in near the beach at Blyth
A level three cold alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the whole of England, which is likely to be reviewed in coming days.A level three cold alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the whole of England, which is likely to be reviewed in coming days.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, the agency's head of extreme events and health protection, advised people to check on vulnerable relatives, adding that pensioners or anyone with an underlying health condition should heat their home to at least 18C (64F).Dr Agostinho Sousa, the agency's head of extreme events and health protection, advised people to check on vulnerable relatives, adding that pensioners or anyone with an underlying health condition should heat their home to at least 18C (64F).
National Highways has issued a severe weather alert for snow in the south of England and urged people to consider if their journeys are necessary.
Scot Rail says it aims to run a full service this week, but has advised passengers to check their journeys as disruption is possible. National Rail has also warned snowy and icy conditions could affect south-eastern services over the next few days.
A wild horse leaves footprints in the snow in Colpy, AberdeenshireA wild horse leaves footprints in the snow in Colpy, Aberdeenshire
Cars battled tricky conditions on A1 motorway in Alnwick, NorthumberlandCars battled tricky conditions on A1 motorway in Alnwick, Northumberland
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