Motorists are hit by snow and freezing conditions
BIG CHILL: WEATHER WARNINGS AS SNOW FALLS
SNOW AND ice caused disruption for commuters across large parts of Britain yesterday, with a number of yellow weather warnings in place.
Temperatures may have fallen short of predictions that it would be winter’s coldest night, but the cold air overnight on Monday still managed to bring snow, sleet and rain across England’s northwest and Scotland, including parts of Yorkshire.
The air that has pushed south from Greenland ensured a low of -4C (25F) was recorded on the Cairnwell mountain in the Eastern Highlands, the Met Office said.
The cold air combined with a band of precipitation to produce sleet and snow, as well as icy patches, which proved problematic for those in cars.
Motorists were warned to avoid the M62 over Saddleworth yesterday, with traffic at a standstill due to the wintery weather. Up to 6in (15cm) of snowfall was predicted in some places across the country, with a light dusting covering the Yorkshire Dales.
About 750 road-gritting lorries – 500 in Scotland and 250 in England – were ready to be deployed, in anticipation for further snow flurries throughout the day.
Milder weather is forecast for today and the week ahead. The weather across Yorkshire is expected to stay windy today, with any lingering showers fading during the morning and a few sunny spells developing,
The cloud will thicken with periods of rain, especially across western hills. The maximum temperature will be 9C (42F). Tomorrow will be breezy with brighter spells.
A low of -4C (25F) was recorded on Cairnwell mountain in the Eastern Highlands.