Snow lashes down on Cheltenham Festival as UK climate plunges into icy -1C deep freeze
Snow has been spotted falling over Cheltenham – this comes as temperatures across the UK drop to -1 C – the MET has warned: ‘This week is going to be feeling a lot more like winter’
Stunning photos show snow falling on Cheltenham Festival ahead of today’s races as temperatures plummet to -1C across the UK.
Despite the frosty conditions on day two of the festival, races are still scheduled to start at 1.20pm this afternoon and continue into the evening – with the final race of the day scheduled to start at 5.20pm.
The Met Office announced: “Don’t be surprised if you see some wet snow in some of the showers today.” The office added: “A chilly but bright start to Wednesday for some with showers.” The Office said: “These becoming more widespread through the morning, turning heavy at times and wintry, mainly over the highest ground.”
Gloucestershire Highways has issued a warning for those travelling to the Festival to stay warm and safe and confirmed reports of snow today and commented: “We appear to have some snow this morning! If you’re heading out please be careful and if you’re off to Cheltenham Festival wrap up warm.”
Meteorologist from the Met Office, Honor Criswick, warned: “This week is going to be feeling a lot more like winter, all thanks to an area of high pressure dragging in a more northerly flow across the country.”
“Wednesday will see snow across north-eastern parts of Scotland, namely the Highlands, and high ground will see flurries to a lower level.”
“Sunshine peaking through the clouds will likely melt the snow away to lower levels.” The meteorologist added: “Temperatures will see highs of 8-9°C but it will feel more like freezing.”
“Thursday will also be a cold and frosty start and there will be icy stretches wherever there has been rain, so take care if you’re out and about in the early hours.”
“There will be plenty of showers across North Sea coasts bringing sleet and snow, mainly across high ground.” The statement added: “It will be largely dry across the rest but we can’t rule out showers inland. The temperature will be more like freezing.”
Today, day two of Cheltenham, will have several races to enjoy starting at 1.20pm in the afternoon.
A grand total of seven races are scheduled today and the highlight of the day is the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase scheduled at four in the afternoon.
This race comes after the Glenfarces Cross Country Steeple Chase scheduled at 15:20 this afternoon. Today’s races are finished by The two mile long Weatherbys Champion Bumper scheduled for 17:20 this evening.
Horse racing fans will have another action packed day ahead of them tomorrow in day three of the festival – with the feature race of the day three being the Ryanair Steeple Chase scheduled at 15:20.
All timings listed are subject to change.
