UK weather: Britain braces for coldest night of the winter so far with temperatures predicted to plunge to record
- Winter's record low of -12.5C (9.5F) set on December 3 could be broken tonight
- Warnings in place across Scotland, northern England and parts of north Wales
By Summer Goodkind[1] and Mark Duell[2]
Published: 18:42, 16 January 2024 | Updated: 19:29, 16 January 2024
Britain is bracing for the coldest night of the year so far amid fears that temperatures could plunge to a record -15C in parts of the UK.
Yellow warnings for snow and ice have also been put in place across Scotland, much of northern England and parts of north Wales until midnight on Tuesday, as well as for Northern Ireland[3] until 11am.
The winter's record low of -12.5C (9.5F) set on December 3 could be broken tonight - with milder air not arriving to the weekend, when it will become wet and windy.
The mercury, which fell to -9C (16F) this morning could now plummet to -15C (5F) tonight with the UK enduring a 'cold plunge of Arctic air' as more than 100 schools closed on Tuesday.
Temperatures on Monday were so freezing that icicles could be seen forming on fountaints in London's Trafalgar Square.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said today we could see a 'persistent band of snow' over three to six hours across Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales.
People walk in the snow at Crow Park in Keswick in the Lake District this morning
A jogger braves the freezing temperatures for a morning run in the snow in Liverpool today
A bus is driven through heavy snow in Manchester city centre this morning amid the big freeze
People take advantage of the snow with sledges at Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, today
Icicles form on the fountains at Trafalgar Square in London today as temperatures remain low
He said: 'In the early hours of the morning we're looking at temperatures getting down to -12C in a few spots, Tuesday night possibly down to -15C.
'So certainly a very cold spell into Wednesday.'
Britain was gripped by road chaos today as police responded to an 'influx' of accidents and drivers were warned they could end up stranded in heavy snow.
Temperatures fell to -9C (16F) this morning and could plummet to -15C (5F) tonight with the UK enduring a 'cold plunge of Arctic air' as more than 100 schools closed.
Lancashire Police[4] said there was 'an influx in road traffic collisions' in the county, while Merseyside Police[5] dealt with 'a number of incidents' on the roads due to snow.
The Met Office[6] expects 4in (10cm) of snow in northern England and Wales, while up to 8in (20cm) could fall in the Scottish Highlands. Cumbria, Northumberland and the Pennines could be worst hit today - after Aberdeenshire saw 6in (15cm) yesterday.
More than 1ft 4in (40cm) of snow could accumulate on high ground in North West Scotland by the end of Friday as it continues to build up over the coming days.
The coldest temperature this morning was -8.6F (16.5F) on Aonach Mor in Scotland, while areas of Oxfordshire, Dorset and Hampshire all fell to -8C (17.6F). Northolt in West London[7] was -6.2C (20.8F) while Gatwick[8] and Exeter airports were -6C (21F).
Meteorologists said there could be 'possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers' and 'rural communities could become cut off'.
It comes as:
- More than 100 flood alerts or warnings remained in place for England today;
- Attractions such as Belfast Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park closed due to snow;
- Forecasters said strong winds could result in 'drifting or blizzard conditions';
- At least 100 schools shut in northern Scotland today due to the conditions;
- Thousands of households in the UK are eligible for cold weather payments[9];
- London Fire Brigade warns people not to walk on frozen lakes and canals; and
- National Rail warned the wintry weather could affect train journeys all week.
Liverpool was among the cities worst hit by snow today, with 36 schools closing and bin collections suspended as workers were redeployed to clear footpaths instead.
Merseyside Police said a lorry was stuck at junction four of the M57 in the snow this morning
A snowplough on the A66 near Keswick in Cumbria today amid severe conditions on the roads
A woman and child on a sledge in the snow at Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, this morning
A Met Office map shows the exact locations where snow is falling in the UK this morning
Liz and and her son Henry go sledging on the snow at Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire, today
A Serpentine Swimming Club member breaks off pieces of ice in London's Hyde Park today
Susan Sharkey walks her four whippets - Luna, Glizty, Shelby and Leo - at Sixmilewater Park in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland, in the snow this afternoon amid the 'cold plunge of Arctic air'
People use walking poles in the snowy Crow Park at Derwent Water in Keswick, Cumbria, today
An aerial view shows St James Church and houses covered in snow in Birkenhead today
People in Birkenhead woke up today to find their gardens covered in snow this morning
An aerial view of a snowy Derwent island on Derwent Water near Keswick in Cumbria today
The weather has also impacted sport, with five National League football matches postponed tonight due to frozen pitches and dozens more in divisions below also called off.
Met Office weather warnings this week
TODAY
- Snow and ice - Scotland, North West England and North Wales - Now until 11.59pm today
TOMORROW
- Snow - Scotland, North West England, Wales and Northern Ireland - 0.01am Wednesday until 11.59pm Wednesday
THURSDAY
- Snow - Scotland, North West England, Wales and Northern Ireland - 0.01am Thursday until 11.59pm Thursday
As the mercury struggled to rise above 0C (32F) across much of the UK, the Met Office imposed three days of warnings for snow and ice lasting until Thursday.
National Highways issued a severe weather warning to motorists in the North West, while a UK Health Security Agency cold health alert remains active for the whole of England until Friday.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan[10] has activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol for councils to open extra emergency accommodation for rough sleepers.
Londoners were also told by firefighters not to walk on or near frozen lakes, rivers and canals out of fear the ice could break and they could plunge into the water.
Today, much of Britain had another day of cold weather and travel disruption after overnight lows dropped below freezing for the bulk of the country.
The Met Office said heavy snow is possible across northern areas today, especially in Scotland and overnight in Northern Ireland, with the rest of the country seeing a cold, dry day ahead of a widespread, severe frost in the evening.
A yellow warning is in place for snow and ice across Scotland, much of northern England and parts of north Wales until midnight on Tuesday, as well as for Northern Ireland until 11am. The warnings continue across large swathes of the northern half of the country until Thursday.
The Mow Cop Castle ruins covered in a dusting of snow in Staffordshire this morning
Canoeists, kayakers and paddleboarders head out onto Derwent Water in Keswick today
Commuters make their way to work in icy conditions today after snow hit Keswick in Cumbria
Snow-covered rooftops at Northwich in Cheshire this morning as temperatures plunge
Cars covered in snow in a chilly Manchester this morning as temperatures plunge below zero
People take advantage of the snow with sledges at Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, today
Fresh snow covers the roads and footpaths during snowfall at Lee Park in Liverpool today
Frost-covered houses this morning in the North Yorkshire village of Droughton which was -3C
Snowploughs work to keep Manchester Airport open this morning amid the severe weather
Pedestrians cross a street as snow covers Oxton in Birkenhead on the Wirral this morning
A woman walks through ankle-deep snow in a garden at Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, today
Snow covered rooftops near Carlisle in Cumbria this morning amid very cold temperatures
A runner makes their way through a frosty Richmond Park in South West London this morning
Northern and eastern parts of Scotland saw the 'bulk of the snow' yesterday, with 6in (15cm) on the ground at Aberdeen Airport by the evening.
A 'cold plunge of Arctic air' has moved south across the whole country over the past few days, making it 5C to 6C lower than usual for this time of year, the Met Office said.
The Arctic weather sparked warnings from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the RSPCA about walking on or near frozen lakes and waterways, after four children died in the West Midlands in December 2022 when they fell into an icy lake.
LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, Charlie Pugsley, said: 'If you fall in, the temperature of icy water is cold enough to take your breath away, which can easily lead to panic and drowning.
'The coldness can make your arms and legs numb which means you can't control them and can't swim. It can lead to hypothermia - a serious reduction in your body temperature - which can cause heart failure.
This happens even to the strongest swimmers.'
A lorry driver drives along a snowy road in the Cumbrian market town of Keswick this morning
An aerial view shows snow-covered houses in Birkenhead, Merseyside, this morning
Dog walkers out at Crow Park in Keswick, Cumbria, this morning during a heavy flurry of snow
A street in Liverpool was blanketed with snow today as temperatures plunged overnight
People take advantage of the snow with sledges at Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, today
People carry sledges as they make their way to Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, today
woman wearing a hat and coat builds a snowman at Greenbank Park in Liverpool today
Families gather at Greenbank Park in Liverpool today for a snow fight as people watch on
A robin redbreast eats a seed in the snow in the walled garden at Camp Hill in Woolton today
Kendal in the Lake District has been turned into a winter wonderland this morning
A cold but bright start to the day today as commuters cross London Bridge this morning
The RSPCA urged people to keep their pet dogs on a lead when going for a walk and away from frozen ponds, lakes or rivers.
Pet welfare specialist Dr Sam Gaines said: 'It is best to walk dogs away from frozen water or keep them on the lead if it's unavoidable.
If your dog ventures onto the ice, never follow them onto it, instead call them to come back to you right away, but if they get stuck call fire and rescue services for help.
'Owners should never try to risk rescuing their pet themselves as they could get themselves into a dangerous situation.'
It comes as the Government confirmed thousands of households in England and Wales are eligible for cold weather payments.
The payments are made to vulnerable people, including pensioners, to help them pay for heating when the temperature dips below freezing.
It goes to those living in an area where the average temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days.
Payments will be made to homes across Cumbria, Oxfordshire, Yorkshire, Northumberland, Norfolk, Staffordshire and Powys in Wales.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold health alert, which warns of possible impacts for the health and social care sector.
National Highways has put in place a severe weather alert for snow affecting the North West today, with road users advised to plan ahead and some rural communities warned they could be temporarily cut off.
People wrap up warm as they wait at a bus stop in Liverpool this morning
Snow-covered rooftops at Northwich in Cheshire this morning as temperatures plunge
Snow falls on the Beatles Statue at Pier Head in Liverpool early this morning
A man walks along a snowy path at Northwich in Cheshire today as temperatures plunge
A man and woman walk along the snow covered road at Keswich in Cumbria this morning
A person pulls a child on a sledge through the snow on Knutsford Heath in Cheshire today
People walk through the snow in a chilly looking Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire, today
Commuters brave the icy conditions in a frosty Richmond Park in London this morning
Commuters walk through heavy snow in Manchester city centre early this morning
Snow-covered rooftops at Northwich in Cheshire this morning as temperatures plunge
Manchester city centre is covered in snow this morning as temperatures plunged in Britain
Commuters make their way to work in icy conditions today after snow hit Keswick in Cumbria
Snow falls at Hunts Cross station in Liverpool this morning amid sub-zero temperatures
Snow-covered rooftops at Northwich in Cheshire this morning as temperatures plunge
Amy Fellows, national network manager at National Highways, said: 'Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as snow and ice, so take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected.'
The Met Office weather warning also advises a series of precautions for drivers.
It said motorists should 'leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off' and 'pack essentials' such as warm clothing, food, drink, a blanket and torch, a fully-charged phone and a back-up charger.
Stein Connelly, head of transport resilience at Transport Scotland, said the cold snap had caused difficult driving conditions with further 'severe impacts' anticipated today.
National Rail has warned the wintry weather could affect train journeys all week with ScotRail saying services on the Highland Mainline route today would be delayed by around 30 minutes.
There are also fears of disruption on South Western Railway services this week.
Speaking about the potential for flight disruption, Nicky Kelvin, editor at large at The Points Guy, told MailOnline: 'As we enter the coldest time of year and snow begins to settle on the ground, it is important to recognise travel safety and be prepared for travel disruptions.
'If you are planning to travel in the next few days, keep an eye on your airline's app for early warning signals that your flight may be delayed or cancelled.
Snow-covered rooftops around Blackpool Tower on the Lancashire coast this morning
Swimmers at the frozen men's pond at Hampstead Heath in North West London this morning
Tree tops covered in snow seen from Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, this morning
A delivery cyclist makes their way through the snow in Liverpool city centre this morning
People take advantage of the snow with sledges at Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, today
Snow surrounds Manchester United Football Club's stadium Old Trafford this morning
Snow-covered rooftops at Northwich in Cheshire this morning as temperatures plunge
A cold but bright start to the day today as commuters cross London Bridge this morning
A dog sits in the snow at Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, this morning
The fountains in London's Trafalgar Square have partially frozen over today in the big freeze
Snow falls at Hunts Cross station in Liverpool this morning amid sub-zero temperatures
Swimmers at the frozen men's pond at Hampstead Heath in North West London this morning
A young girl and her sledge in the snow at Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, this morning
A car is driven through the snow in Liverpool city centre today amid sub-zero temperatures
Sunrise behind Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast on a very cold day in London this morning
Snow falls at Hunts Cross station in Liverpool this morning amid sub-zero temperatures
Snow surrounds Manchester United Football Club's stadium Old Trafford this morning
Snow falls at Hunts Cross station in Liverpool this morning amid sub-zero temperatures
A cold but bright start to the day today as commuters cross London Bridge this morning
'Remember that even if the weather is clear where you are now, global interruptions might cause aircraft and crews to be displaced, impacting flights even in sunny and dry parts of the world.
'Check your airline's website to determine if your schedule is covered by an airline travel alert, which may allow you to modify even a restrictive ticket at no additional cost.'
In Scotland, more than 100 schools were closed today amid the wintry weather.
There were 22 school closures in Aberdeenshire while almost all other schools were either opening late, facing transport issues or were partially closed.
In the Highlands, 75 schools were closed while others were partially closed or had delayed openings.
Some 26 in Shetland were closed.
Yesterday around 200 schools in the north of Scotland were closed in similar areas.
However, amid the disruption, some people got out and about to enjoy the wintry scenes.
Skiers in the Cairngorms were treated to a covering of snow -even at lower levels - by yesterday morning.
Elsewhere, Bethany Austin and her four-year-old son Ambrose enjoyed a spot of sledging in Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
Meanwhile, icicles transformed the Ross Fountain in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens into an impromptu ice sculpture.
Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: 'There will be widespread frost this week and we could see some fairly deep laying snow in parts of northern UK and strong winds could result in drifting or blizzard conditions at times.
People take advantage of the snow with sledges at Camp Hill in Woolton, Liverpool, today
Fresh snow covers roads and footpaths this morning in the Lee Park area of Liverpool
Snow falls in the Speke suburb of Liverpool early this morning as people head to work
Snow on cars in Manchester this morning as the UK is hit by severe weather conditions
Snow falls at Hunts Cross station in Liverpool this morning amid sub-zero temperatures
A cold but bright start to the day today as commuters cross London Bridge this morning
Snow falls in the Speke suburb of Liverpool early this morning as people head to work
Icicles form on the fountains at Trafalgar Square in London today as temperatures remain low
Snow falls at Hunts Cross station in Liverpool this morning amid sub-zero conditions
Frost covers cars during sub-zero temperatures at Greenwich in South East London today
Fresh snow covers roads and footpaths this morning in the Lee Park area of Liverpool
Snow falls at Hunts Cross station in Liverpool this morning amid sub-zero temperatures
Red deer roam the Scottish Highlands in deep snow near the village of Invergarry yesterday
'The snow and ice will be disruptive and could potentially impact travel plans, make driving dangerous and pavements slippery.'
Forecasters say there is the potential for 'some snow' in southern England mid-week as a low-pressure system moves across northern France.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Nick Silkstone said: 'The track of this system still has some small but all-important uncertainties tied to its northern extent, and it has the potential to bring some snow to southern England.
'However, our preferred solution suggests minimal snowfall (a couple of cm at most) across parts of the extreme south of England in association with this system, but we are keeping an eye on how things develop and will update the forecast as needed.'
The Met Office is reviewing the situation for possible snowfall in the South and any new warnings could be issued at short notice, it said.
The weekend will be milder, but westerly weather will bring wind and rain - and the potential for more weather warnings as the snow melts.
Stephen Dixon, spokesman for the Met Office, said: 'We've seen a fair bit of snow already and more is expected in coastal areas, the north of Scotland, north-west England and south-west Scotland.
'It will be a continuing theme through much of this week.'
He added: 'Towards the weekend it's looking like we will return to a more western influence, so wet and windy as you get to Friday and it will bring temperatures up slightly.
'As you get towards Saturday you could see maximum temperatures of 11C in the south west of England which is much milder than what we've seen as of late.
'By Sunday we would see quite a deep area of low pressure moving in which will bring strong winds and heavy rain.
'The additional hazards will be snow melting and rainfall on Sunday.'
In March 2018 the village of Nenthead, Cumbria, was surrounded by enormous drifts and the Royal Air Force delivered supplies by Chinook helicopter.
And in November 2021, customers were snowed in for three days at Britain's highest pub, the Tan Hill Tavern, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, which is 1,732ft (528m) above sea level.
References
- ^ Summer Goodkind (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Mark Duell (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Northern Ireland (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Lancashire Police (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Merseyside Police (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Met Office (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ London (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Gatwick (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ households in the UK are eligible for cold weather payments (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Sadiq Khan (www.dailymail.co.uk)