UK weather news – latest: New amber warning issued for ‘persistent, heavy’ snow as floods likely today

Another severe weather warning for “persistent, heavy” snow has been issued after a volley of new flooding alerts were declared across England and Wales.

The amber alert covers swathes of Wales and the West Midlands, and will remain in place between 12pm today and 9am on Friday.

“Significant disruption” to transport, power lines and phone network coverage is likely, the Met Office said in an update this morning.

It joins a series of amber and yellow alerts for possible snow storms across central and northern England as parts of the UK could be covered in up to 40cm of snow.

Elsewhere, the Environment Agency has issued five alerts for locations on the south coast of England, and for residents between Putney Bridge and Teddington Weir along the River Thames in London, where flooding is “possible”.

Natural Resources Wales has given two similar warnings for the North Wales coast, along with the Lleyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay coastline.

Wednesday marked the coldest March night since 2010, as temperatures at in Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands dropped to minus 16C overnight.

Key Points

• New amber warning issued for ‘persistent, heavy’ snow

• 'Severe’ amber warning for snow issued as power cuts likely

• Coldest night of year so far as temperatures drop to -15.2C

• Disruptions due to snow, ice to continue

• Rural communities likely to be ‘cut off’ due to weather

• Bristol Airport suspends flights due to ‘adverse weather conditions'

New amber warning issued for ‘persistent, heavy’ snow

09:20 , Emily Atkinson

Another “severe” weather warning for “persistent, heavy” snow has been issued for parts of the UK after temperatures plunged to a new record low.

The amber warning covers swathes of Wales and the West Midlands, and will remain in place between 12pm today and 9am on Friday.

“Significant disruption” to transport, power lines and phone network coverage is likely, the Met Office said in an update this morning.

What to expect

• Travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers

• Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely

• There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off

• Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

Six rescued from mountain as snow warning is put in place for Ireland

10:30 , Emily Atkinson

Six people have been rescued from a mountain in Co Kerry overnight amid “dangerous” conditions as a snow warning has been put in place for the entire island of Ireland.

Kerry Mountain Rescue Team were responding to reports that a female hillwalker had fallen in the eastern part of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

It then received reports that other hillwalkers were in difficulty and found six people stuck 150 metres from the bottom of a gully.

“Conditions on the hill were very poor, rending any approach to the casualties from the bottom of the gully dangerous,” it said.

Rescuers climbed to a point above the trapped people and abseiled down to them.

The casualties were secured to haul lines that were used to bring them all safely to the top of the ridge.

“Apart from being very cold and fatigued, thankfully none of the casualties were injured and the rescue concluded at approximately 1.30am,” it said.

Latest images as blizzards tear through country

10:05 , Emily Atkinson

Seven flooding alerts issued across England and Wales

09:10 , Emily Atkinson

The Environment Agency has issued five alerts for locations on the south coast of England, and for residents between Putney Bridge and Teddington Weir along the River Thames in London, where flooding is “possible”.

Natural Resources Wales has given two similar warnings for the North Wales coast, along with the Lleyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay coastline.

Coldest March night for 13 years as temperatures drop to -16C

08:42 , Emily Atkinson

Temperatures in the UK plummeted to -16C on Wednesday night, making it the coldest March night in 13 years, forecasters say.

The low was recorded in Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands, also making it the coldest night of the year so far, the Met Office said.

It marks the lowest temperature in the UK in the month of March since 2010, when minus 18.6C was recorded at Braemar in Aberdeenshire.

Rain, sleet and snow across West Midlands and Wales, radar shows

08:25 , Emily Atkinson

UK 5 day weather forecast

07:59 , Emily Atkinson

The Met Office has published a fresh five-day forecast as “blizzard conditions” descend on Britain today.

Here’s its latest outlook:

Headline:

Heavy snow over parts of northern England later today.

Today:

Cold, cloudy, windy and unsettled for many today. Spells of rain will affect southern UK. Further north, spells of snow will affect parts of Wales, the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland. Northern Scotland brighter with snow showers.

Tonight:

Further snow across parts of Wales, the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, heaviest snow northern England. Rain at times in the far south. Windy.

Friday:

Early rain and snow across England and Wales clearing southwards, sunshine following with snow showers in the east. Sunny spells Scotland and Northern Ireland, but a snow showers too. Cold.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

After a cold start to Saturday, turning milder but unsettled for most with rain and strong winds. Remaining colder in the far north, with some further snowfall.

In pictures: Snow carpets Bedfordshire as Artic blast hits

07:25 , Emily Atkinson

ICYMI: UK braces for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and travel disruption

07:00 , Namita Singh

The UK is set to experience severe snowstorms and travel disruption on Thursday, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for “strong winds bringing blizzard conditions” and up to 40cm of snow to the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham.

Wednesday night is expected to be cold, with temperatures around minus 1C in south-east England, and as low as minus 13C in northern Scotland.

More in this report:

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

06:40 , Namita Singh

Drivers have been urged to exercise caution and to expect disruption as snow and ice are expected across the country from Thursday.

Forecasters have issued a yellow snow warning for all counties, which comes into effect overnight.

Met Eireann said rain, sleet and snow will spread north across the country, with snow expected in many areas, along with icy conditions.

Report:

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Heavy snow and blizzard to hit Britain as Arctic blast hits

06:20 , Namita Singh

The UK is preparing for blizzard conditions as heavy snowfall is set to hit central and northern England on Thursday.

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for the area between Stoke-on-Trent and Durham, warning of strong winds and blizzard conditions.

The warning will remain in place for 21 hours from 3pm on Thursday until 2pm on Friday.

My colleague Stuti Mishra has more:

UK weather: Heavy snow and blizzard to hit Britain as Arctic blast hits

How does the day look today

06:00 , Namita Singh

•Mild with rain in the far southwest

• A snowy day for some in central parts

•Best of the sunshine will be in the far north

More in this map issued by Met Department:

Where will it snow?

05:40 , Namita Singh

Snow storms with “blizzard conditions” are set to hit parts of the UK as temperatures plunge to -15C again overnight.

Yellow weather alerts for snow and ice are currently in place across large parts of the UK, with Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia among the areas being warned of snowfall on Wednesday evening.

One yellow alert, which warns snow showers and travel disruption are likely, covers northern parts of Scotland, where the Met Office says temperatures could drop to -15C overnight. The warning is in place from 6pm on Wednesday until 10am on Thursday.

More in this report:

Will it snow tonight and where?

What Thursday will look like

05:20 , Namita Singh

Here’s the weather forecast for today:

Here are weather extremes from Wednesday

05:00 , Namita Singh

An area of rain, sleet and snow pushed north across much of England and Wales yesterday.

Further north, after the coldest night of the year so far, it was dry with long sunny spells and scattered snow showers.

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during ‘blizzard conditions’

04:40 , Namita Singh

A Met Office amber warning has been issued for “significant disruption” from “strong winds bringing blizzard conditions” as parts of the UK could be covered in up to 40cm of snow.

The current Arctic blast, which saw temperatures drop to -15.4C at Kinbrace in Scotland in the early hours of Wednesday, will continue through the week with the Midlands and north of England facing heavy snow.

A number of National Severe Weather Warnings are in place across the UK as snow continues to cause disruption through the week.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley has more:

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during ‘blizzard conditions’

Yellow weather warnings in place for snow and ice across parts of Scotland

04:20 , Namita Singh

Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across much of Scotland on today as temperatures fell below zero overnight.

A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place in the north of Scotland, where temperatures were as low as minus 4C in the early hours today.

A further yellow warning is in place for snow across the central belt, Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders – with an additional warning for snow and ice in place for the south east of the country.

Read the details here:

Yellow weather warnings in place for snow and ice across parts of Scotland

In pictures: Snow across the UK

04:00 , Martha Mchardy

UK braces for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and travel disruption

03:40 , Namita Singh

The UK is set to experience severe snowstorms and travel disruption today, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for “strong winds bringing blizzard conditions” and up to 40cm of snow to the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham.

Yesterday night was expected to be cold, with temperatures around minus 1C in south-east England, and as low as minus 13C in northern Scotland.

Report:

UK braces for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and travel disruption

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

03:20 , Namita Singh

Drivers have been urged to exercise caution and to expect disruption as snow and ice are expected across the country from Thursday.

Forecasters have issued a yellow snow warning for all counties, which comes into effect overnight.

Met Eireann said rain, sleet and snow will spread north across the country, with snow expected in many areas, along with icy conditions.

This could be up to 10cm deep in some places, with more possible on higher ground.

More in this report:

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Britain braced for five days of snow as map reveals coldest places in UK

03:00 , Martha Mchardy

A map reveals the overnight temperatures forecast for some cities and towns across the country as the UK braces for another cold snap and snow.

Aberdeen, Belfast, Newcastle, Manchester and Hull also look set to experience sub-zero conditions and the Met Office has issued weather warnings for snow and ice covering parts of England, Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland.

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties in Ireland

02:00 , Martha Mchardy

Drivers have been urged to exercise caution and to expect disruption as snow and ice are expected across the country from Thursday.

Forecasters have issued a yellow snow warning for all counties, which comes into effect overnight.

Met Eireann said rain, sleet and snow will spread north across the country, with snow expected in many areas, along with icy conditions.

This could be up to 10cm deep in some places, with more possible on higher ground.

Sleet and snow is likely to turn to rain in the south for a time on Thursday, posing a risk of hazardous driving conditions and poor visibility.

The yellow snow warning remains in effect nationwide until 11pm on Thursday, while a yellow low temperature warning is in place from 9pm Thursday until 10am on Friday.

A snow-ice warning for the Leinster counties, Cavan and Monaghan will be in place from 11pm on Thursday until 10am on Friday.

The Met Office has also warned that heavy snow has the potential to cause disruption in all counties in Northern Ireland on Thursday and Friday, with the warning in place from 7am on Thursday until 2pm on Friday.

It said this could lead to travel delays on roads “stranding some vehicles and passengers”, some rural communities being cut off and power supplies and mobile phone coverage being affected.

The Road Safety Authority has urged drivers to expect hazardous road conditions and reduced visibility.

Drivers are being advised to remove all snow from their cars, clear windows and mirrors before setting out, to use the car’s controls “delicately” in snowy conditions and ensure extra distance to the vehicle in front.

Met Office explains why UK will see snow and -15C temperatures this week

01:00 , Martha Mchardy

Experts believe the sudden drop in temperature is being caused by sudden stratospheric warming and could bring about similar freezing conditions to the Beast from the East in 2018.

Warnings for snow and ice have been issued across northeastern parts of the UK as well as some Northern Ireland and southern and central areas of England and Wales.

Further warnings are likely to be issued throughout the week.

Mustafa Javid Qadri reports:

UK weather: Met Office explains why UK will see snow and -15C temperatures this week

Mapped: Where snow fell in the UK on Wednesday

00:00 , Martha Mchardy

A Met Office weather map shows a snow and ice warning was issued for almost all of Scotland and the Highlands, in addition to parts of northeast and east England, as well as all of Northern Ireland.

Much of southern England and Wales also experienced snow.

Will it snow tonight and where?

Wednesday 8 March 2023 23:00 , Martha Mchardy

Snow storms with “blizzard conditions” are set to hit parts of the UK as temperatures plunge to -15C again overnight.

Yellow weather alerts for snow and ice are currently in place across large parts of the UK, with Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia among the areas being warned of snowfall on Wednesday evening.

One yellow alert, which warns snow showers and travel disruption are likely, covers northern parts of Scotland, where the Met Office says temperatures could drop to -15C overnight. The warning is in place from 6pm on Wednesday until 10am on Thursday.

Mustafa Javid Qadri reports:

Will it snow tonight and where?

Snow piles across Hampshire as arctic blast hits UK

Wednesday 8 March 2023 22:00 , Martha Mchardy

Emergency vets issue hazard warning to pet owners as Met Office issues amber weather warning

Wednesday 8 March 2023 21:10 , Martha Mchardy

Emergency vets have issued a hazard warning to pet owners after the Met Office issued an amber snow weather warning for central and northern England.

Vets Now, an emergency vet service, has urged pet owners to avoid using anti-freeze in their cars because it is extremely toxic to pets.

Dave Leicester of Vets Now said: “Anti-freeze is extremely harmful to animals, even a very small amount of it is very toxic to the kidneys and unfortunately is quite often fatal. Just one 5ml teaspoon could be enough to kill a cat and a tablespoon could be fatal for dogs.

One of the main ingredients in anti-freeze is ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic. With a very sweet taste, it makes it very palatable to animals, so it’s really important when using it to minimise spillages as much as possible. Even small amounts in a contaminated puddle of water could be enough to poison a cat.

“Leaks from screen wash containers or car radiators should be quickly cleaned up and thoroughly washed away with a hose or buckets of water. It’s also worth informing your neighbours as many people won’t be aware it is so toxic.

“There is some hope as there is a safer alternative to anti-freeze with Ethylene glycol - Propylene glycol anti-freeze. It is more expensive, but safe for pets and other wildlife, so could be worth the extra investment to avoid anti-freeze poisoning.”

Symptoms of anti-freeze poisoning include wobbliness or falling over, vomiting, dehydration, and lack of appetite, as well as diarrhoea, drooling, halitosis, seizures and collapse.

If you are worried your pet has swallowed anti-freeze, contact your vet as soon as possible.

In Pictures: UK shivers in the snow as cold spell continues

Wednesday 8 March 2023 20:25 , Martha Mchardy

Britain braces for 'blizzard conditions' with 40cm of snow to fall

Wednesday 8 March 2023 19:38 , Martha Mchardy

Snow storms are expected to hit large swathes of central and northern England on Thursday, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for “strong winds bringing blizzard conditions” and up to 40cm of snow to the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham.

The warning lasts for 21 hours from 3pm on Thursday – and “significant disruption” to transport, power lines and phone network coverage is likely.

Several milder yellow weather warnings for snow have also been issued, covering much of the nation from Wednesday to Friday.

Tuesday marked the coldest night of the year so far, and more sub-zero overnight temperatures are expected in all four UK nations in the coming days.

Temperatures at Kinbrace in the Highlands dropped to this year’s low of minus 15.4C overnight.

Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said this was the coldest March temperature recorded since 2010, but that it is “not that unusual to see snow in March”.

Temperatures in Scotland could get down to -15C tonight, says Met Office chief

Wednesday 8 March 2023 18:55 , Martha Mchardy

Temperatures in Scotland could get down to -15C tonight as colder air moves north overnight, a Met Office chief has said.

Met Office chief meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said: “The boundary between milder and colder air will slowly move north through Wednesday and overnight, moving the chances of snow further north with it.

“Snow will have settled quite widely in central parts of the UK as we move into Thursday morning leaving tricky conditions for the morning travel period. It will be another very cold night, especially under clear skies in Scotland where temperatures could get down to -15C again tonight.

“An amber warning for snow has been issued for the high ground running north in the centre of northern England as snow redevelops through the course of Thursday and persist until early Friday.

“Here we could see up to 40cm of snow accompanied by strong winds causing blizzard conditions.”

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during ‘blizzard conditions’

Wednesday 8 March 2023 18:10 , Martha Mchardy

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for “significant disruption” as parts of the UK could be covered in up to 40cm of snow.

After temperatures dropped to -15.4C at Kinbrace in Scotland overnight, the Arctic blast will continue through the week with the Midlands and north of England facing heavy snow.

The warning is in place from 3pm on Thursday to midday on Friday. 10 to 20cm of snow is likely to fall across much of the area, with 30 to 40cm in some places, and will be accompanied by strong winds.

A number of National Severe Weather Warnings are in place across the UK as snow continues to cause disruption through the week.

Thomas Kingsley reports:

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during ‘blizzard conditions’

How to drive in snow and ice

Wednesday 8 March 2023 17:25 , Martha Mchardy

The current heavy snow across the UK means drivers are facing icy roads and treacherous conditions.

The gritters are out but motorists are still being advised against making unnecessary journeys and to proceed with extreme caution when setting out proves unavoidable.

As you drive home today, Joe Sommerlad reports on how to drive in snow and ice.

How to drive in snow and ice

11 of the most striking images as snow hits UK after coldest March night since 2010

Wednesday 8 March 2023 16:40 , Emily Atkinson

With many people awaking to snow for the first time this year, here are some of the most striking images captured by photojournalists of the wintry scenes across the country.

Andy Gregory reports:

11 of the most striking images as snow hits UK

Watch: Snow piles across Hampshire as arctic blast hits UK

Wednesday 8 March 2023 16:10 , Emily Atkinson

Elderly must ‘do all they can to keep warm and take care'

Wednesday 8 March 2023 15:45 , Emily Atkinson

A leading charity has encouraged the elderly to take simple precautions as the country grapples with snow and freezing temperatures.

Age UK said people should not, where possible, try to save money by using less heating, as many contend with rising energy bills.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “With much of the UK waking up to snow this morning we are urging older people to do all they can to keep warm and take care.

“With high energy bills and food prices still rocketing it is understandable that many may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a substantial impact on their health.

“Having plenty of hot food and drinks throughout the day can help keep the health risks of the cold at bay, as can taking simple precautions such as wrapping up warm when going outside and sleeping with the windows closed at night.”

'Severe’ amber warning for snow issued as power cuts likely

Wednesday 8 March 2023 14:53 , Emily Atkinson

The Met Office has issued a “severe” two-day amber weather warning for snow as the wintry weather looks set to worsen.

The warning stretches from Nottingham to just south Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and will remain in place between 3pm and 12pm on Friday.

“Heavy snow is likely to cause significant disruption on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning,” the Met Office said in an update this afternoon.

What to expect:

• Travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers

• Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely

• There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off

• Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

In pictures: People play in the snow on the Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire

Wednesday 8 March 2023 14:20 , Emily Atkinson

Revealed: When and where it will snow in the UK this week

Wednesday 8 March 2023 13:50 , Emily Atkinson

Snow and ice warnings have been issued across parts of the UK this week with up to 10cm of snow expected to settle in Scotland.

Yellow weather warnings have been put in place with power outages and travel disruption likely as the band of freezing weather kicks in.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued Level 2 and Level 3 Cold Weather Alerts for the whole of England.

Maryam Zakir-Hussain has the details:

Revealed: When and where it will snow in the UK this week

Bristol Airport reopens

Wednesday 8 March 2023 13:10 , Emily Atkinson

Bristol airport reopened at 10.45am after it temporarily closed for “snow clearing operations” with morning flights cancelled.

The airport has said there is “ongoing flight disruption”, however.

Watch: Animals enjoy snow day at Whipsnade Zoo

Wednesday 8 March 2023 12:40 , Emily Atkinson

How to drive in snow and ice

Wednesday 8 March 2023 12:10 , Emily Atkinson

The current heavy snow across the UK means drivers are facing icy roads and treacherous conditions.

The gritters are out but motorists are still being advised against making unnecessary journeys and to proceed with extreme caution when setting out proves unavoidable.

Joe Sommerlad has the details:

How to drive in snow and ice

Network Rail advisers passengers to check journeys

Wednesday 8 March 2023 11:40 , Emily Atkinson

Network Rail is advising passengers to check their journeys in advance due to the Met Office warnings, but a spokesperson said there has been “no significant weather-related disruption” on the lines so far.

The warnings for Wednesday cover northern and eastern Scotland until 10am, and Northern Ireland and southern England until 9am.

Latest images: Snow covers the M5 carriageway

Wednesday 8 March 2023 10:50 , Emily Atkinson

Kinbrace temperatures further plummet

Wednesday 8 March 2023 10:31 , Emily Atkinson

The coldest overnight temperature of the year has dropped a further 0.2 degrees to minus 15.4C, according to the Met Office.

A reading of minus 15.2C was recorded at Kinbrace in the Highlands on Tuesday night, and the temperature in the area has since decreased further, the national forecaster said.

Train travellers warned to expect disruption due to wintry weather

Wednesday 8 March 2023 10:06 , Emily Atkinson

Snow and ice is expected to affect train journeys in many parts of Britain until Friday 10 March, National Rail has announced.

Passengers have been advised to check that their complete journey is possible before travel.

At present, Southeastern services are most affected by the adverse weather, with services disrupted on the Hastings, Sole Street, Bromley North, Bromley South, and Hayes lines.

Joanna Whitehead reports:

Train travellers warned to expect disruption due to wintry weather

Bristol airport cancels flights amid Arctic blast

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:45 , Emily Atkinson

Bristol Airport has cancelled all early morning flights today (Wednesday 8 March) due to snow and adverse weather conditions.

A statement on its Twitter account reads: “The Bristol Airport teams are working hard on snow clearing operations, but as the snow continues to fall, flight operations have been suspended until 1100.

“Passengers are advised to contact their airline for specific flight information prior to travelling to the airport and please take extra care.”

Joanna Whitehead has more:

Bristol airport cancels flights amid Arctic blast

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:30 , Emily Atkinson

This morning’s snowfall has been well documented across social media, with footage of snow-capped rooftops and wintry panoramas dominating our feeds.

Here are some of the top posts so far:

Police urge motorists to avoid driving due to ‘very dangerous’ conditions

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:10 , Emily Atkinson

Wilshire Police has urged motors to avoid all but essential journeys after heavy snowfall overnight created “very dangerous” driving conditions.

Posting at 3.30am this morning, police said:

Coldest night of year so far as temperatures drop to -15.2C

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:05 , Emily Atkinson

The UK has braved its coldest night of the year so far, with temperatures dropping below -15C in the Scottish Highlands as snow blanketed parts of London.

Thermometers at Kinbrace in the Highlands gave readings of -15.2C overnight on Tuesday, the Met Office said – the lowest the mercury has dropped all year.

A blast of Arctic air means that sleet and snow is expected across southern England and south Wales on Wednesday, while scattered snow and hail showers will impact Scotland’s northern coasts as the cold snap intensifies.

Andy Gregory has more:

Coldest night of year so far as temperatures drop to -15.2C in UK

Watch: Snow piles across Hampshire as arctic blast hits UK

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:00 , Emily Atkinson

In pictures: Swimmers brave freezing conditions King Edward’s Bay, near Tynemouth

Wednesday 8 March 2023 08:50 , Emily Atkinson

Mapped: Where will snow fall in the UK today

Wednesday 8 March 2023 08:40 , Emily Atkinson

More sleet and snow are expected across southern England and south Wales on Wednesday while scattered snow and hail showers will impact Scotland’s northern coasts as the Arctic blast intensifies.

The Met Office‘s early morning radar showed an area of rain moving in from the south and west which was starting to turn increasingly to sleet and snow as it pushed north and east.

The conditions, which have been attributed to an Arctic blast, are expected to bring more snow and ice throughout the UK, the Met Office said.

Thomas Kingsley takes a look at the latest maps:

Mapped: Where will snow fall in the UK today

Best in Snow: Heavy snowfall blankets Britain

Wednesday 8 March 2023 08:20 , Emily Atkinson

Rural communities likely to be ‘cut off’ due to weather, says Met Office

Wednesday 8 March 2023 08:00 , Emily Atkinson

The Met Office’s chief meteorologist has warned the weather could cut off rural communities in the north and impact travel over the next few days across southern England and south Wales.

A number of national severe warnings for snow and ice were issued, with the Met Office saying further warnings, or updates to the current warnings, are “very likely”.

Matthew Lehnert said: “Snow, ice and low temperatures are the main themes of this week’s forecast, with the UK under an Arctic maritime air mass.

“Snow could lead to some travel disruption, with a chance some rural communities in the north could be cut off.

“The focus for the snow moves to southern England and South Wales tomorrow and some may wake up to a few centimetres of snow, with the south coast and far south-west likely to see a mix of rain and sleet. Further snow and hail showers are also expected along northern coasts, especially in northern Scotland.”

He added: “During the afternoon, a further spell of sleet and snow is likely to develop across southern England and South Wales which could cause travel disruption into the evening. The impact of lying snow and ice on untreated surfaces may have an impact on Thursday morning travel.”