UK weather – live: Temperatures plunge below zero as big freeze set to bring snow and ice

Jane Dalton
·21 min read

Overnight temperatures are plummeting well below freezing in many places across the UK, the Met Office says, as wintry showers are expected to continue on Friday.

Rain, sleet and snow are expected to fall before the weekend, with temperatures close to freezing.

Overnight Friday to Saturday, the thermometer will hit -2C in London, -3C elsewhere in the south, and -4C or -5C in the northwest, forecasters predicted.

Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “Where the showers fall as rain, there is a risk of icy patches forming overnight with temperatures widely dipping below freezing.

“A number of National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued and these are likely to be updated over the coming days.”

Sadiq Khan has activated the Severe Emergency Weather Protocol as the capital is set to freeze for several days.

Rough sleepers will have access to emergency accommodation wherever they are, announced the mayor of London.

A yellow alert for snow and ice was in force across swathes of the UK.

But millions of drivers ignore severe weather alerts, a new survey suggested.

Key Points

  • ‘Up to 10cm of snow’ - weather warning extended

  • Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice in force now

  • Temperatures across the UK today

  • UKHSA issues yellow cold-health alert for this week

Yellow weather warning issued

11:17 , Alexander Butler

A yellow weather warning has been issued between Friday 5pm and Saturday 10am, the Met Office said.

“Yellow weather warning issued. Snow and ice across eastern parts of England and northern parts of Scotland,” the forecaster said on X.

Where is it going to snow? Warning amid plunging temperatures as minus 7.2C recorded

10:23 , Alexander Butler

Temperatures have plunged to a low of minus 7.2C in England as snow fell in Scotland, Northumberland and Yorkshire, but the Met Office has said it is too early to predict a white Christmas.

Swathes of Scotland, England and Ireland were warned to brace themselves for snow and ice, with weather warnings issued amid plummeting temperatures.

The forecaster said the three lowest temperatures recorded at its observation sites overnight were all in Cumbria on Wednesday, with a low of minus 7.2C in Bridgefoot, minus 6.5C in Shap and minus 6.1C in Keswick.

Where is it going to snow? Warning amid plunging temperatures as minus 7.2C recorded

Network Rail urges passengers to check travel ahead of wintry conditions

09:36 , Alexander Butler

Network Rail has urged passengers to check their journeys ahead of time due to plummeting temperatures sweeping the UK.

“Our winter fleet will help keep services running as snow and ice hit parts of Britain. Cold weather can pose challenges for the railway, just like road and air travel. Please check your journeys as temperatures drop,” it said on X.

UKHSA issue amber cold health alerts

09:14 , Alexander Butler

The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued amber cold health alerts in five regions until December 5, meaning that “cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time”.

The regions included are the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber.

Pictured: Angel of the North coated in snow

08:51 , Alexander Butler

The Angel of the North statue in Gateshead covered in snow (PA)
The Angel of the North statue in Gateshead covered in snow (PA)
The Angel of the North statue in Gateshead covered in snow (PA)
The Angel of the North statue in Gateshead covered in snow (PA)

Pictured: Yellow weather warnings

08:25 , Alexander Butler

Yellow ice warnings across the UK (Met Office)
Yellow ice warnings across the UK (Met Office)

Ice likely to cause travel disruption, Met Office says

07:49 , Alexander Butler

Icy weather conditions are likely to cause travel disruption across the UK this morning, according to the Met Office.

“There will be some icy stretches on the roads this morning, possibly causing some travel disruption,” the forecaster said on X.

Walkers, drivers and passengers warned of risk of ice

07:00 , Jane Dalton

Met Office forecasters have advised of the likelihood of people suffering slips and fall injuries in one of the first icy periods of the winter.

They are also advising of the chance of disruption to road, bus and rail networks – with ice patches forming on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

A fresh ice warning for parts of Devon and Cornwall was issued, running from 10pm until 10am on Friday.

A yellow warning of ice has also been issued for parts of Northern Ireland, lasting until 10am on Friday.

People walk next to Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North as snow continues to fall in Gateshead (REUTERS)
People walk next to Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North as snow continues to fall in Gateshead (REUTERS)

Snow from north to south

06:00 , Jane Dalton

Temperatures plummeted on Thursday, and although snow fell from Hampshire on the south coast to Northumberland in the north, in most places it settled only lightly.

(PA)
(PA)

Watch snow blizzard hit Britain’s highest pub

06:00 , Jane Dalton

Watch snow blizzard hit Britain’s highest pub The Tan Hill Inn

Vehicles crash in snow

05:00 , Jane Dalton

In County Durham, police said snowy conditions had led to some crashes on the roads.

Durham Constabulary said: “There has been the first main snowfall of the winter across the force area which has led to roads being covered in snow.

“We have already had collisions reported due to the weather. Please be careful if you need to drive this morning, drive to the conditions and allow extra time for your journeys.”

Millions of drivers ignore severe weather alerts, survey shows

04:00 , Jane Dalton

Millions of drivers ignore severe weather alerts, a new survey suggests. A third (33%) of respondents to a poll of more than 12,000 AA members said they would go ahead with planned journeys even if a red warning for snow was issued by the Met Office:

Millions of drivers ignore severe weather alerts, AA survey shows

Snow falls on Dartmoor

03:00 , Jane Dalton

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said parts of Dartmoor could potentially see 5-10cm of snow throughout the day, with other areas of the South West seeing “more modest accumulations” of one to three centimetres.

Widespread frosts are expected overnight, with temperatures dropping to -8C in the rural south and -7C in rural parts of Wales.

Mr Claydon said: “The cold conditions are set to remain for the remainder of this week and into the weekend. For those inland it will remain dry, crisp and cold but showers will continue along the east, becoming more north into the weekend.”

Health alerts run till Tuesday

02:00 , Jane Dalton

The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued amber cold health alerts in five regions – the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber – until Tuesday.

It means “cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time” in those areas.

Snow and ice alerts issued

00:50 , Jane Dalton

The Met Office has issued snow and ice alerts for large areas of Scotland, England and Northern Ireland amid plummeting temperatures.

Schools in Cornwall closed

Thursday 30 November 2023 23:20 , Jane Dalton

More than 30 schools in Cornwall either closed for the day on Thursday or opened late due to hazardous conditions.

Snow swept across the southwest of England, parts of Yorkshire, the northeast and Scotland, with more expected.

The Met Office issued a fresh ice warning for parts of Devon and Cornwall, which runs from 10pm until 10am on Friday.

Looe, Cornwall (PA)
Looe, Cornwall (PA)

Yellow weather warning issued

Thursday 30 November 2023 22:12 , Jane Dalton

Reminder: A yellow weather warning has been issued due to plummeting temperatures, the Met Office has announced.

With icy stretches, particularly across parts of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the national weather service has advised that there is a likelihood that schools, road, bus and rail networks could be affected.

Snow in Swarland, Northumberland (PA)
Snow in Swarland, Northumberland (PA)

Will the cold remain next week?

Thursday 30 November 2023 21:07 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The UK is likely to remain in a north easterly air flow with the cold regime continuing into next week, the Met Office said.

While there will be a good deal of dry, sunny weather for many, showers remain possible, particularly in eastern coastal areas, and these could be wintry at times.

It will become increasingly unsettled and less cold in southern and central areas next week, but it will probably remain cold with further coastal wintry showers in the north.

(AP)
(AP)

A frosty start to Friday morning

Thursday 30 November 2023 20:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Friday morning’s forecast looks to be a frosty start as temperatures continue to reflect the Arctic blast causing icy patches and snowfall across large swathes of the UK.

The winter allowances and support can you claim in cold weather

Thursday 30 November 2023 18:26 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

As the temperature drops, households up and down the UK are turning on their heating for the first time - but for many it will bring further financial hardship during the cost-of-living crisis.

As inflation remains high, driven by food and fuel prices, people on already-stretched household budgets are left wondering how they will pay to keep their home warm over the winter months.

They will be helped by the fall in the energy price cap on October 1, which reduced the typical household bill to £1,923, compared to £2,074 previously - however, this is still more than 50 per cent higher than pre-crisis level and will do little to help many pay their bills.

The winter allowances and support can you claim in cold weather

Freezing fog forecast for overnight as temperatures plummet

Thursday 30 November 2023 17:48 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Snowfall lands in UK as Met Office offers verdict on white Christmas

Thursday 30 November 2023 17:00 , Lydia Patrick

Watch - https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/snow-uk-highest-pub-tan-hill-climate-b2456157.html

Thursday 30 November 2023 16:30 , Lydia Patrick

Watch snow blizzard hit Britain’s highest pub The Tan Hill Inn

Amber health warning issued

Thursday 30 November 2023 16:00 , Lydia Patrick

The UKHSA has issued yellow and amber cold-health alerts for the health sector covering all regions of England through until 5 December.

In areas covered by an amber alert, impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, with potential for the whole population to be at risk.

As of Thursday 30 November, the amber Cold-Health Alerts (CHAs) issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have been upgraded in two regions of England. Five regions of England are now under an amber alert, while a further four are currently under a yellow alert.

The regions included in the amber alert are:

  • East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, North East, Yorkshire and The Humber

The regions included in the yellow alert are:

  • South West, South East, East of England, London

Mapped - New weather warnings

Thursday 30 November 2023 15:30 , Lydia Patrick

More snow expected to fall overnight (The Met Office)
More snow expected to fall overnight (The Met Office)

The winter allowances and support can you claim in cold weather

Thursday 30 November 2023 15:05 , Lydia Patrick

As the temperature drops, households up and down the UK are turning on their heating for the first time - but for many it will bring further financial hardship during the cost-of-living crisis.

As inflation remains high, driven by food and fuel prices, people on already-stretched household budgets are left wondering how they will pay to keep their home warm over the winter months.

They will be helped by the fall in the energy price cap on October 1, which reduced the typical household bill to £1,923, compared to £2,074 previously - however, this is still more than 50 per cent higher than pre-crisis level and will do little to help many pay their bills.

The winter allowances and support can you claim in cold weather

Watch - This afternoon’s forecast

Thursday 30 November 2023 14:45 , Lydia Patrick

New weather warning issued

Thursday 30 November 2023 14:18 , Lydia Patrick

A yellow weather warning has been extended

The Met Office have extended their weather warning in the South West as they predict ice could lead to hazardous conditions.

The warning comes after Cornwall and Devon enjoyed a smattering of snowfall this morning.

Train delays due to ice

Thursday 30 November 2023 14:00 , Lydia Patrick

East Midlands Rail have reported cancellations and delays of up to 45 minutes after due to a shortage of trains caused by ice damage.

They shared on X: “We have delays of up to 45 mins and some short notice cancellations. We are working to resume our timetable this is not expected to be until midday.”

Since the rail operator have shared a promising update to travellers.

Mapped- Today’s weather warnings

Thursday 30 November 2023 13:40 , Lydia Patrick

The Met Office have issued a warning for snow and ice (The Met Office)
The Met Office have issued a warning for snow and ice (The Met Office)

Will we have a white Christmas?

Thursday 30 November 2023 13:20 , Lydia Patrick

Snow sweeps across Devon

Thursday 30 November 2023 13:00 , Lydia Patrick

The County of Devon are enjoying the snowy scenes as many document their fresh start to the day.

Mayor of London launches emergency plan

Thursday 30 November 2023 12:40 , Lydia Patrick

Sadiq Khan has launched the Severe Emergency Weather Protocol (SWEP) as the capital is set to freeze for the next few days.

Rough sleepers will be able to access emergency accommodation wherever they are, announced the Mayor of London.

Schools closed and crashes reported as snow sweeps across parts of UK

Thursday 30 November 2023 12:20 , Lydia Patrick

Parts of the UK could see up to 10cm of snow on Thursday, with temperatures expected to drop “well below freezing” overnight, forecasters have said.

Snow has swept across the south-west of England, parts of Yorkshire, the north-east and Scotland, with more expected throughout the day.

More than 30 schools in Cornwall are either closed for the day or opening late due to hazardous conditions.

The Met Office has issued snow and ice alerts for large areas of Scotland, England and Northern Ireland amid plummeting temperatures.

The national weather service has advised of the likelihood of people suffering slips and fall injuries in one of the first icy periods of the winter.

Read the full story here

Schools closed and crashes reported as snow sweeps across parts of UK

Where is it going to snow?

Thursday 30 November 2023 11:50 , Lydia Patrick

Temperatures have plunged to a low of minus 7.2C in England as snow fell in Scotland, Northumberland and Yorkshire, but the Met Office has said it is too early to predict a white Christmas.

Swathes of Scotland, England and Ireland were warned to brace themselves for snow and ice, with weather warnings issued amid plummeting temperatures.

The forecaster said the three lowest temperatures recorded at its observation sites overnight were all in Cumbria on Wednesday, with a low of minus 7.2C in Bridgefoot, minus 6.5C in Shap and minus 6.1C in Keswick.

Read the full story here

Where is it going to snow? Warning amid plunging temperatures as minus 7.2C recorded

New weather warning issued

Thursday 30 November 2023 11:27 , Lydia Patrick

A new yellow weather warning is in place as icy patches are expected across the North East of Northern Ireland.

The warning is in place from 5pm today until 10am tomorrow and the Met Office say sleet and snow could fall.

How to stay safe on the road this winter

Thursday 30 November 2023 10:52 , Lydia Patrick

Weather warnings mean motorists should take extra care on the roads.

Check your car is prepared

You may need to invest in a new car battery if it struggling to turn the car on, since they’re far more likely to fail as colder temperatures can lead to a strain.

To clear windows you should purchase a dedicated solution with antifreeze, rather than relying on water on its own.

Remember to turn your lights on

Remember to put your lights on at the start of every journey if it’s going to get darker. Even if your car has automatic lights fitted, don’t presume they’ve turned on.

Make sure your lights are clean too – it’s worth wiping them every now and again to maximise vision – and never set off if your windows are fogged up or still covered in ice or snow.

Keep your distance on the road

Winter brings much less grip on the road – especially when it might be icy. One of the best things you can do is to keep your distance on the road.

Slow down when temperatures drops

As soon as the temperature drops to anywhere close to zero, you need to change your driving behaviour. Avoid any harsh braking or turns of the wheel, as this could cause you to skid and lose control, and make sure you keep your speed down.

Stock up on supplies

Have food supplies, a shovel and an ice scraper in case of an emergency.

Allow plenty of time for your journey and consider alternative routes

In icy and cold weather, the last thing you want is to be in a hurry on the road, as that’s far more likely to lead to a collision – so leave plenty of time for every journey. This will also help if you end up in heavy traffic. You might want to reconsider your route too, particularly if there’s snow or widespread ice.

Watch - This morning’s forecast

Thursday 30 November 2023 10:39 , Lydia Patrick

‘'Winter Wonderland’ in Scotland

Thursday 30 November 2023 10:30 , Lydia Patrick

The Scottish capital looks magical as snow blankets Edinburgh.

Social media users have documented their ‘winter wonderland’ as snow falls around the city.

Areas impacted by weather warning until tomorrow

Thursday 30 November 2023 10:17 , Lydia Patrick

A snow and ice warning has been issued for large swathes of the country.

The Met Office predicts ‘hazardous’ conditions which could lead to injuries and travel disruption.

Some areas are impacted until 4pm today, whereas in the East of England, the warning will remain active until 11am tomorrow.

Where is affected until 11am tomorrow?

Central, Tayside & Fife

  • Angus, DundeeFife

East Midlands

  • Lincolnshire

East of England

  • Cambridgeshire, Essex. Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk

Grampian

  • Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray

Highlands & Eilean Siar

  • Eilean Siar and Highland

North East England

  • Darlington. Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees and Sunderland

Orkney & Shetland

  • Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

  • East Lothian and Scottish Borders

Yorkshire & Humber

  • East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire

Where will today’s snow warning affect?

Thursday 30 November 2023 10:08 , Lydia Patrick

A snow and ice warning has been issued for large swathes of the country.

The Met Office predicts ‘hazardous’ conditions which could lead to injuries and travel disruption.

Some areas are impacted until 4pm today, whereas in the East of England, the warning will remain active until 11am tomorrow.

Where is affected until 4pm today?

South West England

  • Cornwall

  • Devon

  • Dorset

  • Somerset

See our next post for all the areas impacted until tomorrow

A yellow warning is impacting large areas across the UK (The Met Office)
A yellow warning is impacting large areas across the UK (The Met Office)

‘Beautiful’ snowy scene in Yorkshire seaside town

Thursday 30 November 2023 09:50 , Lydia Patrick

Snow has blanketed the coastal town of Whitby leaving social media users ‘blown away’ by the stunning scene.

Bagdale Hall Hotel shared the idyllic scene yesterday on their Facebook page.

Elsa Wightman said: “Very festive.”

Dorothy Firth added: “Looks like a Christmas card. So beautiful.”

Mayor of London helps the homeless as temperatures plummet

Thursday 30 November 2023 09:30 , Lydia Patrick

Sadiq Khan has launched the Severe Emergency Weather Protocol (SWEP) as the capital is set to freeze for the next few days.

Rough sleepers will be able to access emergency accommodation wherever they are, announced the Mayor of London.

Listed - School closures announced

Thursday 30 November 2023 09:19 , Lydia Patrick

Several schools in Cornwall have closed as snow sweeps across the county.

Atleast ten schools in the southwestern county have closed, according to Cornwall Council.

  • Halwin School - CLOSED

  • Looe Community Academy - CLOSED

  • Luxulyan School - CLOSED

  • Nine Maidens Alternative Provision Academy - CLOSED

  • Pencoys Primary School - CLOSED

  • Penryn Primary Academy - Opening Late (10am)

  • Stithians School - CLOSED

  • The Roseland Academy - CLOSED

  • Treverbyn Academy - CLOSED

  • Trewirgie Infant School - CLOSED

  • Veryan School - CLOSED

Snow arrives in Cornwall

Thursday 30 November 2023 09:15 , Lydia Patrick

Cornwall residents are waking up to scences that could appear on the front of postcards as snow falls on the South West coastal county.

Jo Shreeve from Redruth warns: “Roads are treacherous so be careful.”

Watch - Met Office gives early verdict on white Christmas

Thursday 30 November 2023 09:00 , Lydia Patrick

Snow falls in parts of UK as Met Office gives early verdict on white Christmas

Watch - Snow sweeps across Bournemouth

Thursday 30 November 2023 08:46 , Lydia Patrick

People in Bournemouth are waking up to light snow flurries, but will it settle?

Yorkshire wakes up to snow

Thursday 30 November 2023 08:35 , Lydia Patrick

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

People in Yorkshire have woken up to a ‘light covering’ of snow this morning and social media users are documenting their delight.

Watch- Channel 4 weather goes off air as meteorologist interrupted

Thursday 30 November 2023 08:05 , Lydia Patrick

Channel 4 weather goes off air as meteorologist interrupted

An icy start to the day

Thursday 30 November 2023 07:37 , Lydia Patrick

Most of the UK have woken up feeling a noticable chill with a sudden drop in temperatures.

Up in Scotland temperatures have plummeted to 0C with Glasgow reaching -2

The Met Office predict cloudy conditions in the South of England, with further patchy rain at times, and the southwest might see snowfall.

Elsewhere, they predict sunshine with wintry showers towards coasts in the east.

Most places will remain dry with sunny spells, predict meterologists.

Yellow warning continues to Friday for parts of UK

Thursday 30 November 2023 07:04 , Vishwam Sankaran

The snowfall yellow warning issued by the Met Office is expected to continue into Friday for eastern parts of the UK.

The weather service warned that icy patches are likely to develop in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country with further showers in the coastal regions.

It warned that some roads and railways could be affected with journey times likely getting longer by road, bus, and train services.

There are also risks of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces with the likelihood of icy patches forming on some untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths, according to the Met Office.