The Met Office has issued a significant yellow weather warning for Birmingham, alerting residents to the dangers of ice and potential snow as temperatures are set to plummet.
What the Weather Warning Means
The official alert is active for a full 11 hours, from midnight tonight until 11 am on Wednesday, November 19. Forecasters have highlighted a particular risk of icy patches forming on roads and pathways, especially on untreated surfaces. The warning also covers the chance of hill snow across the wider West Midlands region.
According to the Met Office, outbreaks of rain will move southwards overnight, which could turn to snow on higher ground. As the rain clears and skies become clearer later in the night, temperatures are expected to fall close to or below freezing. This rapid cooldown is what will create the hazardous, icy conditions.
Detailed Forecast for Birmingham
The specific forecast for the West Midlands outlines a cloudy night with outbreaks of rain, sleet, and hill snow. The region will then see skies clear, which will allow the mercury to drop to a minimum temperature of 0°C. This will lead to icy stretches, making for treacherous travel conditions in the morning.
For Wednesday itself, the forecast improves. Any remaining cloud and hill snow is expected to clear quickly, leaving a largely dry and sunny day. However, it will feel cold due to brisk northerly winds, with a maximum temperature of only 5°C.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
The cold spell is set to continue for the rest of the week. The outlook for Thursday and Friday promises mostly dry but cold conditions with sunny spells. A change is expected over the weekend as rain moves in, bringing temperatures back up towards the seasonal average.
