The Met Office has placed Birmingham and the wider Midlands region under a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, with travel disruption anticipated for Friday. Residents are being urged to prepare for hazardous conditions as a band of wintry weather is set to sweep across the country.
Timeline and Expected Snowfall
The disruptive weather will begin in parts of Scotland early on Friday before tracking southeast. It is expected to reach the Midlands, including Birmingham, and areas of Northwest England such as Cheshire and Staffordshire during the morning. The system will then push into the Home Counties, Essex, and Kent by the afternoon.
In Birmingham and the Midlands, the official weather warning is active from midnight until midday on Friday. The Met Office states that sleet and snow will move across parts of England and Wales, lasting for around two to three hours in any single location.
Where snow settles, accumulations of 1 to 2 centimetres are likely in many areas, with the potential for up to 5 centimetres in some spots. The highest accumulations are expected over the higher ground of north Wales and northwest England.
Bitterly Cold Temperatures and Icy Hazards
While air temperatures will vary, the combination of snow and a biting northerly wind will create a severe chill. Across the UK, air temperatures will range from 4°C down to a frigid -4°C. However, the wind chill will make it feel as cold as -12°C in many places.
Specifically for Birmingham, the forecast low on Friday is -2°C, but it will feel more like -6°C due to the wind. The Met Office has emphasised that icy patches will develop rapidly behind the clearing snow, adding to the travel risks.
Anticipated Travel Disruption
The Met Office warning highlights the likelihood of travel delays and dangerous conditions on roads and pavements. Drivers and pedestrians are advised to exercise extreme caution, allow extra time for journeys, and stay updated on the latest travel and weather forecasts. The expected snow and ice could lead to slippery surfaces and potential disruption to road and rail networks across the warning area.
Authorities recommend checking local travel advice before setting out and being prepared for rapidly changing conditions throughout Friday.
