Met Office Issues Snow Warning: 5cm Forecast for Multiple UK Regions on Tuesday
The Met Office has officially named all the UK areas that are expected to face significant snowfall on Tuesday, with accumulations of up to 5cm predicted in several regions. This warning comes as periods of sleet and snow are forecast to spread across parts of the country from Monday afternoon through to Tuesday morning, potentially causing widespread disruption due to both accumulating snow and hazardous icy surfaces.
Weather Alert Details and Expected Impacts
A yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office, which is set to expire at 10am on Tuesday, February 17. According to the meteorological service, the public should prepare for several key impacts. Some roads and railways are likely to be affected, leading to longer journey times for road, bus, and train services. Additionally, there is a risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces, with probable icy patches forming on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths.
The Met Office has provided specific guidance on what to expect during this weather event. Periods of rain, sleet, and snow will move southeastwards across Scotland throughout Monday and into Monday night. Initially, snow accumulation is expected on hills, typically above 200 meters in elevation, but it may fall to lower levels later in the day and overnight. Further scattered wintry showers are anticipated to arrive from the northwest later in the night and into Tuesday morning.
Snow Accumulation Forecast and Additional Hazards
The greatest accumulations of snow are predicted to occur during Monday evening and night. In low-lying areas away from north-facing coasts, 1-2cm of snow is possible. Above approximately 150 meters in elevation, accumulations could reach 2-5cm, while above 300 meters, snow depths may be as high as 5-8cm. With temperatures expected to fall below freezing, ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces, even in areas where precipitation falls as rain or sleet.
Additional hazards include a few isolated lightning strikes, which could pose further risks. Strong north to northwesterly winds are also forecast during Monday evening and night, particularly across the Northern Isles and northeastern parts of the mainland. In more exposed areas, wind gusts could reach 50-60 mph, adding to the challenging conditions.
Tuesday Weather Outlook and Affected Areas
Looking ahead to Tuesday, the Met Office's five-day written forecast indicates a cold and frosty start for many places, with dry conditions and sunny spells expected. However, a few scattered showers are possible, mainly in the north and east. The southwest may turn cloudy later in the day. The following UK areas have been specifically named by the Met Office as facing the threat of up to 5cm of snow on Tuesday:
- Angus
- Perth and Kinross
- Stirling
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
- Na h-Eileanan Siar
- Highland
- Orkney Islands
- Shetland Islands
- Argyll and Bute
Residents and travelers in these regions are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of adverse weather conditions.
