The Midlands is set to experience a rare and dangerous weather phenomenon this Sunday, as forecasters warn of freezing rain set to create treacherous, icy conditions across the region.
What is Freezing Rain and Why is it Dangerous?
According to the Met Office, freezing rain is a rare type of liquid precipitation in the UK. It occurs when supercooled water droplets freeze almost instantly upon hitting a cold surface. This creates a clear, glazed layer of ice, often called black ice or glaze, which is extremely hazardous and difficult to see.
The national weather service has emphasised the severe risks, stating the ice can coat all surfaces, turning roads and pathways into an "ice rink." The weight of the ice can also be heavy enough to bring down trees and power lines, and it poses a significant danger to aircraft.
Sunday's Forecast and Weather Warning Details
A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in force across a vast swathe of the UK, including the Midlands, from 2am until 3pm on Sunday, January 11.
The Met Office forecast indicates a band of snow will move across the warning area. While not all low-lying areas will see significant accumulations, 2 to 5cm of snow is likely in places, potentially reaching 10cm temporarily before turning to rain. Higher ground above 200 metres could see 10 to 20cm, with up to 30cm on exposed Scottish hills.
Importantly, the forecast highlights: "There is a risk of freezing rain across the east of the area for a few hours after dawn on Sunday morning, perhaps leading to widespread ice that would affect all surfaces." Strong winds may also cause snow to drift.
Regions and Counties Under the Warning
The yellow warning covers multiple regions. In the Midlands, the affected areas include:
- West Midlands: Staffordshire.
- East Midlands: Derbyshire.
The warning also extends across much of Scotland, Northern England, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, and Strathclyde.
This bout of severe winter weather follows the disruption caused by Storm Goretti earlier in the week, which brought heavy snowfall to the UK. Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution, check travel updates, and be prepared for rapidly changing and dangerous conditions on Sunday.
