Cold, windy and unsettled week ahead
Author: Press Office
14:26 (UTC) on Mon 15 Jan 2018
We have a period of windy, showery and colder weather for much of the UK over the next few days, with showers falling as snow for many especially in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
However, between the showers this week many of will see some dry and sunny, albeit cold periods and many places will see little or no snow.
There are a number of National Severe Weather Warnings in place over the coming days for snow, ice, and wind for various parts of the UK. A Yellow warning for snow and ice is in place from this evening (Monday) through to Wednesday morning covering large parts of Scotland and northern England, as well as parts of Wales and the northwest Midlands. Not everywhere in the warning area will get a covering of snow but 10 cm of snow could fall over higher ground above 200 metres, particularly in Scotland, with some low-lying areas seeing 2-5 cm. Hail and lightning are also possible, mostly across northern and western Scotland.
The South West is likely to see strong winds on Tuesday night with the chance of gusts of up to 60 mph. These strong winds coincide with high spring tides, leading to large waves along some western coasts at times.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Frank Saunders said: “By Wednesday we have a number of severe weather warnings in place with widespread wintry showers for many, snow likely at low levels in the north of the UK and over high ground in the south. During Wednesday night a low-pressure system is expected to move across the UK bringing the potential for strong winds to many parts of the UK, and more snow to Scotland, all of which could cause disruption in places. There is still some uncertainty as to the exact track this weather system will take across the country and so there is some uncertainty about the exact areas that will see the worst of the weather.”
At this stage the expected weather has not met our storm naming criteria and is fairly typical of the weather we would expect for the time of the year, however we will continue to monitor this situation and update our weather warnings as necessary.
Highways England’s National Winter and Severe Weather Team Leader, Paul Furlong, said: “We will be working around the clock to keep our roads open and free from disruption.
“Drivers are encouraged to drive to the conditions and reduce their speed as appropriate and should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel as well as any essentials such as medication.”
In addition to the wind, snow and rain many of us are likely to see widespread overnight frost, especially during the second half of the week.
Keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings for your area on our website or via the Met Office mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.