A severe Arctic freeze has gripped the UK, unleashing snow, ice, and plunging temperatures that are set to cause widespread travel disruption over the coming days.
The Met Office has issued extensive yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, covering a vast swathe of the country from Northern Ireland and Wales through the Midlands and as far south as Greater London.
Widespread Warnings and Travel Disruption
Forecasters warn that many areas could see around 2cm of snow accumulating on Friday, with up to 5cm possible on higher ground. The band of sleet and snow is moving slowly southeastwards, having already blanketed parts of the West Midlands.
National Rail has issued alerts for potential delays and cancellations, as ice and snow pose risks to tracks and overhead power cables. On the roads, motorists are being told to prepare for significantly longer journey times, with an estimated 20.7 million car trips predicted for today alone.
Extreme Cold and Extended Freeze
Temperatures have plummeted under the influence of the brutal Arctic air. The mercury is forecast to drop as low as -10°C in parts of Scotland on Saturday morning. Even in major towns and cities, overnight lows of -3°C to -4°C are expected.
This cold spell is not fleeting. Forecasters predict it could last for up to a week, with daytime temperatures struggling to climb above freezing. Furthermore, weather models suggest a second, powerful band of snow might sweep across the country around January 9.
Public Safety Advice Issued
Authorities are urging the public to take precautions. The Met Office recommends drivers in the 108 affected areas carry an emergency kit in their vehicles. This should include:
- Warm clothing, food, and water
- A torch
- An ice scraper and de-icer
Police Scotland has specifically advised people to avoid driving through road closures and to travel only if absolutely necessary.
For pedestrians, the advice is to plan extra time for journeys to avoid rushing on slippery surfaces. People are encouraged to use main road pavements where possible, as these are more likely to have been gritted.
In the West Midlands, snow has already been falling and settling in areas including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Telford, with footage and photos confirming the wintry conditions. Residents across the UK are being urged to stay updated on the latest warnings and travel advice as the Arctic freeze continues.
