Map shows where snow and ice will hit UK as met office issues new weather warning
The met office has issued a fresh snow and ice warning for parts of the UK, with rare freezing rain expected to cause disruption. A yellow weather warning is currently in place for southern and central Scotland and will remain effective until midday today.
This weather alert covers key areas including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Borders, where transport networks are likely to be affected. Road conditions could become treacherous, with the possibility of disruption to bus and train services. Motorists and pedestrians alike have been advised to take extra caution as freezing rain and snowfall of up to five centimetres could lead to hazardous conditions.
The rare phenomenon of freezing rain
Freezing rain is a relatively rare occurrence in the UK. It happens when snowflakes melt while passing through a layer of warm air and then quickly re-freeze upon hitting a cold surface. The result is a clear layer of ice that can transform roads into virtual ice rinks and is even heavy enough to bring down trees and power lines.
Unlike sleet or snow, freezing rain creates a sheet of ice rather than an accumulation of loose flakes, making it particularly dangerous for travel and outdoor activity. The Met Office has warned that such conditions can be extremely hazardous, particularly for commuters and those in areas where infrastructure is more vulnerable to extreme weather.
Unstable weather conditions across the UK
While the current cold spell brings snow and ice, a dramatic shift in temperatures is expected as the week progresses. By Wednesday, temperatures could begin to climb, reaching an unseasonably mild 15-16°C in parts of the UK by Friday.
Stephen Dixon, a spokesman for the met Office, commented on the unusual shift: ‘Much of the country will see temperatures above average for the time of year. So even in the north of Scotland on Thursday and Friday, you could get up to 14°C.’
For context, the average temperature for mid-february in the UK is around 7.2°C. However, the sudden rise is not entirely unexpected as the transition from winter to spring often brings fluctuating weather patterns. Dixon explained: ‘It’s not massively unusual. These kinds of weather patterns happen in the UK. We’re often in the kind of battleground between different weather regimes, and that’s the case this week as we see that shifting influence on our weather.’
Wet and windy weather on the horizon
Despite the warming trend, conditions are not expected to feel entirely spring-like. Heavy rainfall and strong winds will accompany the rising temperatures, particularly from Thursday onwards. Much of the UK will experience persistent rainfall, with the strongest winds likely to hit western parts of the country.
On friday, the wet and windy conditions will continue, affecting Wales, the west of Scotland, northern England, and parts of the South West. Meanwhile, areas further south, particularly in the South East, could see brighter spells, with some sunshine breaking through the clouds.
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Safety precautions and travel advice
With severe weather conditions expected across different parts of the UK, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant. The Met Office has advised people to check travel updates regularly, as icy roads and reduced visibility could lead to significant delays and potential accidents.
Drivers in affected regions have been encouraged to take additional precautions, including reducing speeds and maintaining safe distances from other vehicles. For pedestrians, wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding unnecessary travel during peak freezing rain periods is recommended.
Conclusion
The UK is set for a week of contrasting weather, with hazardous snow and ice making way for an unusually warm spell accompanied by rain and strong winds. While the brief cold snap is expected to cause disruption, the impending rise in temperatures offers a glimpse of the approaching spring. However, with wet and windy weather persisting through to the weekend, Britons should brace themselves for a turbulent mix of conditions before any true signs of spring emerge.
