... as -11C blast puts us in the deep freeze
Arctic conditions are forecast to hit England with heavy snow on the coldest night of the winter so far.
temperatures are set to plummet to a bitterly cold -11c (12F), so it is time to bring out the thermals.
Despite bright sunshine in many areas today, highs of just 2-3c (36-37F) are expected in London and closer to freezing further north and west. Bright but chilly days will continue in the Midlands and South as the week goes on.
Snow warnings have been issued in the Lake District, Northumberland, the Pennines, wider areas of the North West and parts of Wales between tomorrow and thursday.
Wintry showers could affect coastal areas of the North today, but tomorrow an ‘area of more organised rain, sleet and snow is likely to move east.’
A Meteorological Office warning for snow and ice – driven by an Arctic airflow – has been issued throughout the day from cumbria and Northumberland down the Pennines as far as the Peak District, extending across the North West into North Wales.
the Met Office warns 2-5cm (0.8-2in) is ‘possible within a few hours’, while some areas could see 5-10cm (2-4in). in parts of northern Scotland, up to 20cm (8in) could fall. tomorrow night into the early hours of Wednesday is likely to be the most chilly.
in Pennine areas of cumbria, temperatures are predicted to fall as low as -11c (12F) on Wednesday morning. this would be England’s coldest temperature of the winter so far – although short of this year’s UK record of -12.5c in Altnaharra, Sutherland, on December 3. in southern areas, overnight lows of -4c (25F) or -5c (27F) are expected. current lowest temperatures for the season so far were -10c (14F) in England, recorded at two locations in North Yorkshire, ravensworth and redesdale camp, and -8.9c (16F) at Sennybridge, Powys, in Wales, all recorded on December 2.
the snow could bring travel delays and power cuts, while ‘some rural communities could become cut off’ and pedestrians and motorists could be at risk because of icy surfaces.
A second warning, for Wednesday and thursday, predicts further snow showers to affect the Pennines, the North West and North and West Wales.
the UK Health Security Agency has a cold-health alert in force until at least thursday, which puts the NHS on standby for extra demand and urges people to take care of vulnerable friends and neighbours. Dr Agostinho Sousa, of UKHSA, said: ‘the temperatures we will see leading into the weekend can have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with preexisting health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
‘it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather.’
Drivers are also urged to allow extra time and carry items such as blankets in case of a breakdown.