Half term shivers as temperatures tumble to minus 4C

SCHOOL half terms begin for many children today with an icy blast expected to bring up to two inches of snow in some areas.

Families enjoying the week off will want to wrap up warm, with further snow and gales of up to 60mph forecast for tomorrow and temperatures set to fall as low as -4C (25F) even in the South of England. This will be followed by snow and rain on Wednesday, with unsettled and chilly weather for the rest of the week.

Last night the Met Office issued several weather warnings, with snow predicted as far south as the Peak District.

Forecasters said snow and ice on cables could lead to power cuts and loss of phone signal in north-west England, Scotland and Northern Ireland this morning.

They added that ‘strong winds will lead to drifting of snow, with temporary blizzards over higher routes’ and hazardous driving conditions and disruption expected on the roads and railways.

Icy conditions and snow on higher ground is also expected in central and south-west England and Wales this morning.

Snow is expected in northern England tomorrow, with rain elsewhere and strong winds in central and western areas and along Irish Sea coasts.

For children whose half term starts next week, the weather outlook appears to be unsettled.