Met Office points yellow snow warning for 26 UK cities and cities on Thursday
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warnings for snow and ice affecting 26 towns and cities across England and Scotland with up to 10cm forecast on Thursday and Friday
Brits across the country are bracing for snow(Image: PA)
Brits across the country are bracing for an artic blast as parts of the UK are expected to be hit with snow this week.
Weather maps from WXCharts reveal large parts of England and Scotland are expected to be blanketed in snow over the next two days, with 26 towns and cities directly in the path of the storm. The snowfall is predicted to begin in western Scotland on Thursday, before sweeping down across the UK and reaching as far south as Watford by Friday morning.
The charts indicate some southern areas could see up to 3cm of snow, with deeper drifts expected on higher ground. Parts of Wales could be covered in up to 7cm (2.7 inches) of snow, while the northern Pennines are forecast to be buried under 10cm (4 inches) of the white stuff by Friday afternoon.
This comes as the Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for snow and ice. Residents have been informed that snow will settle over parts of northern England and Scotland on Thursday and Friday, reports the Mirror.
The Met Office has warned roads and railways are likely to be affected, leading to longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Residents have also been cautioned about the increased risk of slips and falls on icy surfaces and untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
The forecaster advised: “If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).” The initial alert – covering northern England and the Scottish borders – takes effect from 7pm on Thursday.
Weather experts explained: “Outbreaks of rain will fall as snow over higher hills initially, before the snow starts to fall to lower levels through Thursday evening. Any settling snow will mainly be confined to high ground, above 200 metres 2 to 5 cm is possible, and above 300 metres, a few locations may see as much as 10 cm.”
A separate alert covering the remainder of Scotland warned wintry downpours are anticipated to begin at 4pm on Thursday and continue until midday on Friday. “Snow showers affecting high ground are expected to start to fall to low levels through Thursday evening and overnight,” the Met Office cautioned.
“Due to the showery nature accumulations of snow will vary, but on low ground 1-2 cm is possible in places by Friday morning, while on hills above 300 metres accumulations of 2 to 5, perhaps very locally 10 cm are possible. In addition to the snow temperatures will fall quickly, and this is likely to lead to ice on untreated surfaces.”
Residents in the impacted regions have been urged to stay vigilant for slips and tumbles on frozen walkways and advised to stock their vehicles with vital supplies: warm garments, provisions, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger. Journey delays are anticipated and commuters are recommended to allow additional time and verify conditions before departing.
The Met Office said: “Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”
Complete list of towns and cities predicted to experience snow:
- Slough
- Watford
- Luton
- Oxford
- Milton Keynes
- Norwich
- Cardiff
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Northampton
- Peterborough
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Derby
- Nottingham
- Sheffield
- Manchester
- Leeds
- York
- Blackpool
- Middlesbrough
- Sunderland
- Newcastle
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Dundee
- Aberdeen
