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Freezing weather keeps grip on UK Freezing weather keeps grip on UK
(9 minutes later)
Much of the UK remains in the grip of freezing conditions as snow and ice continue to severely hamper travel.Much of the UK remains in the grip of freezing conditions as snow and ice continue to severely hamper travel.
Forecasters say the snow over southern England has eased but there will be isolated show showers elsewhere.Forecasters say the snow over southern England has eased but there will be isolated show showers elsewhere.
Widespread ice will become the major problem, with temperatures staying well below zero across the UK.Widespread ice will become the major problem, with temperatures staying well below zero across the UK.
Airports, roads and trains have all been hit by the severe weather. Thousands of schools closed and many are likely to remain shut on Thursday.Airports, roads and trains have all been hit by the severe weather. Thousands of schools closed and many are likely to remain shut on Thursday.
BBC weather forecaster Dan Corbett said there would be some snow showers in south-east and north-east England on Wednesday night, and eastern parts of the UK and south-west England could see up to 15cm (6in) of snow on Thursday.BBC weather forecaster Dan Corbett said there would be some snow showers in south-east and north-east England on Wednesday night, and eastern parts of the UK and south-west England could see up to 15cm (6in) of snow on Thursday.
He said it would be a "treacherous" start on Thursday, especially on untreated roads, as the snow begins to freeze.He said it would be a "treacherous" start on Thursday, especially on untreated roads, as the snow begins to freeze.
There would be some snow showers on Friday, and the "deep freeze" would continue for the next few days, he added.There would be some snow showers on Friday, and the "deep freeze" would continue for the next few days, he added.
Forecasters predict it could drop to -20C in parts of Scotland this weekend.Forecasters predict it could drop to -20C in parts of Scotland this weekend.

Why the cold weather?

The current big chill is a result of high pressure over the polar region, which has pushed cold air out of the Arctic towards much of northern Europe, parts of Asia and the US. Winds from the north and north east, rather than the south and south west, have brought freezing temperatures to the UK.
Provisional Met Office figures for December show temperatures for much of the UK were 1.5C and 2.5C below the mean temperatures for the last 30 years. Scotland saw temperatures dip still lower - from 2.5C to 3.5C. On Tuesday, temperatures in Scotland plunged to -15C in places.
Winds from the north also brought cold weather to parts of Asia, with Beijing receiving its heaviest snowfall for nearly 60 years. At the weekend, up to 30cm (12in) of snow fell in China's capital and its neighbouring port city of Tianjin. Dozens of people have also died in a cold snap in northern India.
However, while parts of the world suffer freezing temperatures, the seesaw patterns mean other areas are warmer than usual, including Alaska, northern Canada and the Mediterranean. Met Office figures for the end of 2009 show some places dropped 10C below the average, while others were 10C above.
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Why the cold weather?

The current big chill is a result of high pressure over the polar region, which has pushed cold air out of the Arctic towards much of northern Europe, parts of Asia and the US. Winds from the north and north east, rather than the south and south west, have brought freezing temperatures to the UK.
Provisional Met Office figures for December show temperatures for much of the UK were 1.5C and 2.5C below the mean temperatures for the last 30 years. Scotland saw temperatures dip still lower - from 2.5C to 3.5C. On Tuesday, temperatures in Scotland plunged to -15C in places.
Winds from the north also brought cold weather to parts of Asia, with Beijing receiving its heaviest snowfall for nearly 60 years. At the weekend, up to 30cm (12in) of snow fell in China's capital and its neighbouring port city of Tianjin. Dozens of people have also died in a cold snap in northern India.
However, while parts of the world suffer freezing temperatures, the seesaw patterns mean other areas are warmer than usual, including Alaska, northern Canada and the Mediterranean. Met Office figures for the end of 2009 show some places dropped 10C below the average, while others were 10C above.
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First Minister Alex Salmond said the weather in Scotland was now at its worst since 1963.First Minister Alex Salmond said the weather in Scotland was now at its worst since 1963.
He said 45,000 tonnes of salt and grit were available there, enough for only 10 days in a normal winter. These supplies will be replenished but will be used for main roads, because more snow and sub-zero temperatures have been forecast.He said 45,000 tonnes of salt and grit were available there, enough for only 10 days in a normal winter. These supplies will be replenished but will be used for main roads, because more snow and sub-zero temperatures have been forecast.
Parts of Scotland and northern England had more snow on Wednesday but the worst-hit areas were central southern England and parts of the South West and south Wales.Parts of Scotland and northern England had more snow on Wednesday but the worst-hit areas were central southern England and parts of the South West and south Wales.
In the last 24 hours there have been snowfalls of up to 30cm (12in) in the worst-affected counties, including Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey.In the last 24 hours there have been snowfalls of up to 30cm (12in) in the worst-affected counties, including Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey.
More than 8,000 schools closed their doors again on Wednesday, and some are planning to stay shut on Thursday.More than 8,000 schools closed their doors again on Wednesday, and some are planning to stay shut on Thursday.
WEATHER AND TRAVEL INFO Get the latest on school closures and travel problems via your BBC Local websiteCheck if snow is forecast in your area at BBC Weather Details of motorway and local road closures and public transport disruption are available at BBC Travel News For advice on handling difficult driving conditions, see the Highways Agency websiteFor information about severe weather warnings, see the Met Office websiteFor information about staying healthy in the current cold snap, see the NHS Winter Health website Diary: Red Cross VolunteerWEATHER AND TRAVEL INFO Get the latest on school closures and travel problems via your BBC Local websiteCheck if snow is forecast in your area at BBC Weather Details of motorway and local road closures and public transport disruption are available at BBC Travel News For advice on handling difficult driving conditions, see the Highways Agency websiteFor information about severe weather warnings, see the Met Office websiteFor information about staying healthy in the current cold snap, see the NHS Winter Health website Diary: Red Cross Volunteer
Although many drivers appeared to heed the warnings about only making essential journeys, there were various problems on the roads throughout the day and into the evening.Although many drivers appeared to heed the warnings about only making essential journeys, there were various problems on the roads throughout the day and into the evening.
Roads in the worst-affected areas are littered with abandoned and broken-down cars, and some people have been cut off due to impassable roads.Roads in the worst-affected areas are littered with abandoned and broken-down cars, and some people have been cut off due to impassable roads.
Many train operators are running revised timetables and commuters on train services out of London were being warned of serious disruption on Wednesday night.Many train operators are running revised timetables and commuters on train services out of London were being warned of serious disruption on Wednesday night.
Although London escaped the worst of the snow overnight, there were heavy snowfalls on Wednesday afternoon.Although London escaped the worst of the snow overnight, there were heavy snowfalls on Wednesday afternoon.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown visited a centre in south London which is co-ordinating the response to the severe weather. He thanked the London Fire Brigade staff and said he admired their work.Prime Minister Gordon Brown visited a centre in south London which is co-ordinating the response to the severe weather. He thanked the London Fire Brigade staff and said he admired their work.
The Association of Train Operating Companies said, by 1230 GMT, 61% of trains had run on time, 34% had arrived late and 5% had been cancelled.The Association of Train Operating Companies said, by 1230 GMT, 61% of trains had run on time, 34% had arrived late and 5% had been cancelled.
Air passengers are facing delays and cancellations after a number of airports closed.Air passengers are facing delays and cancellations after a number of airports closed.
Gatwick's runway reopened about 1700 GMT, having closed on Tuesday night. Some 438 flights were cancelled at the West Sussex airport.Gatwick's runway reopened about 1700 GMT, having closed on Tuesday night. Some 438 flights were cancelled at the West Sussex airport.
All the shops here are closed. My husband left the house this morning to try to get some provisions from somewhere, anywhere Michelle Milburn, Lee-On-Solent More of your snow stories Selection of your best pictures Your comments: Are we coping?All the shops here are closed. My husband left the house this morning to try to get some provisions from somewhere, anywhere Michelle Milburn, Lee-On-Solent More of your snow stories Selection of your best pictures Your comments: Are we coping?
Heathrow, Birmingham, Luton, Glasgow, Southampton and Cardiff are open but suffering delays and cancellations.Heathrow, Birmingham, Luton, Glasgow, Southampton and Cardiff are open but suffering delays and cancellations.
Stansted Airport in Essex closed around 1000 GMT but reopened around midday. Bournemouth, Jersey, Bristol and Exeter airports have also reopened but Aberdeen Airport has closed to clear snow from the runways.Stansted Airport in Essex closed around 1000 GMT but reopened around midday. Bournemouth, Jersey, Bristol and Exeter airports have also reopened but Aberdeen Airport has closed to clear snow from the runways.
In various parts of southern England, coastguard services using 4X4s are helping ambulances to get paramedics into hard-to-reach areas.In various parts of southern England, coastguard services using 4X4s are helping ambulances to get paramedics into hard-to-reach areas.
Among other developments:Among other developments:
• Several hospitals across the UK, including some in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Surrey have cancelled most of their outpatient appointments to focus on emergencies• Several hospitals across the UK, including some in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Surrey have cancelled most of their outpatient appointments to focus on emergencies
• Up to 5,000 homes in Sussex, Kent and Surrey are without electricity. EDF Energy said Brighton and Crawley in Sussex were the worst affected• Up to 5,000 homes in Sussex, Kent and Surrey are without electricity. EDF Energy said Brighton and Crawley in Sussex were the worst affected
• An eight-year-old boy was airlifted to Nottingham for a kidney transplant after he and his father got stuck in snow trying to reach the QMC Hospital• An eight-year-old boy was airlifted to Nottingham for a kidney transplant after he and his father got stuck in snow trying to reach the QMC Hospital
• National Rail Enquiries have set up a special number for information about trains affected by the weather, on 08453 017 641.• National Rail Enquiries have set up a special number for information about trains affected by the weather, on 08453 017 641.
• Sections of main roads including the A1, A616 and the M1 in South Yorkshire were closed• Sections of main roads including the A1, A616 and the M1 in South Yorkshire were closed
• The worst traffic jam was recorded in the morning rush hour on the A1 in Northumberland, where a 50-mile long queue built up• The worst traffic jam was recorded in the morning rush hour on the A1 in Northumberland, where a 50-mile long queue built up
• All outpatient appointments and non-urgent operations at the hospitals covered by the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust will also be postponed on Thursday• All outpatient appointments and non-urgent operations at the hospitals covered by the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust will also be postponed on Thursday
Supplies of road grit and salt are running low, according to many councils, with only major roads being treated in several places.Supplies of road grit and salt are running low, according to many councils, with only major roads being treated in several places.
Restrictions on lorry movements to and from the Winsford mine in Cheshire, the UK's biggest rock salt mine, are being eased to help meet a huge demand for salt.Restrictions on lorry movements to and from the Winsford mine in Cheshire, the UK's biggest rock salt mine, are being eased to help meet a huge demand for salt.
At 1400 GMT, Cheshire Police said there were about 100 lorries waiting to get into the salt works, causing tailbacks in nearby towns.At 1400 GMT, Cheshire Police said there were about 100 lorries waiting to get into the salt works, causing tailbacks in nearby towns.
SNOW TRAVEL ADVICE If your journey is not essential, wait until local conditions improve.If you are driving, check the weather conditions before you set out.Listen to travel bulletins on the radio.Take spare warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and, if you have one, a spade with you.Make sure there is enough braking and stopping distance between your car and the next.Be careful even after road surfaces have been treated with salt. Source: Highways AgencySNOW TRAVEL ADVICE If your journey is not essential, wait until local conditions improve.If you are driving, check the weather conditions before you set out.Listen to travel bulletins on the radio.Take spare warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and, if you have one, a spade with you.Make sure there is enough braking and stopping distance between your car and the next.Be careful even after road surfaces have been treated with salt. Source: Highways Agency
The UK is in the grip of its longest cold snap for almost 30 years. Snow depths taken around the UK include 48cm (19in) in Aviemore, 19cm (7.5in) at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, and 17cm (7in) in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.The UK is in the grip of its longest cold snap for almost 30 years. Snow depths taken around the UK include 48cm (19in) in Aviemore, 19cm (7.5in) at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, and 17cm (7in) in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
The current lowest temperature recorded during this freeze is -18C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, on 29 December. The lowest ever in the UK is -27C.The current lowest temperature recorded during this freeze is -18C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, on 29 December. The lowest ever in the UK is -27C.
The Met Office said between 35cm (14in) and 40cm (16in) of snow had fallen in some parts of southern central England on Tuesday night.The Met Office said between 35cm (14in) and 40cm (16in) of snow had fallen in some parts of southern central England on Tuesday night.
Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Manchester United has been postponed, as has the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Bolton at the Emirates Stadium in London.Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Manchester United has been postponed, as has the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Bolton at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Horse racing has been abandoned at Southwell and Hexham on Wednesday, and Huntingdon and Ludlow on Thursday.Horse racing has been abandoned at Southwell and Hexham on Wednesday, and Huntingdon and Ludlow on Thursday.
Friday's National Hunt meeting at Bangor has also been abandoned, as has Saturday's fixture at Wincanton and Sunday's race at Hereford.Friday's National Hunt meeting at Bangor has also been abandoned, as has Saturday's fixture at Wincanton and Sunday's race at Hereford.
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Fog

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Frost

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Pressure Fronts

Cold Warm Occluded

Rain

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Snow

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Map Key

  • Land
  • Cloud
  • Lakes, Rivers & Sea

Fog

Light Heavy

Frost

Light Heavy

Pressure Fronts

Cold Warm Occluded

Rain

Light Heavy Extreme

Snow

Light Heavy
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