Across the United Kingdom, a significant cold snap has taken hold, bringing with it snowfall and plummeting temperatures, with some areas experiencing as low as -6°C. The Met Office has highlighted that this bitter weather is due to a high-pressure system situated over Scandinavia, which is driving chilly easterly winds across the UK. Northumberland and County Durham have already seen snowfall, and hilly regions are expected to receive further accumulations. The cold conditions are expected to persist, with temperatures struggling to rise much above freezing, leaving many areas feeling bitterly cold.
The Met Office’s meteorologist, Jonathan Vautrey, has explained that the Scandinavian high is responsible for the persistent easterly winds that are bringing cold air and moisture from the North Sea. This is resulting in widespread cloud cover, rain, drizzle, and snow over higher ground. While parts of northwestern Scotland may experience some sunshine, the majority of the UK will endure grey, dull, and gloomy conditions. Temperatures are expected to hover around 5-6°C, but the wind chill will make it feel closer to freezing for most people, particularly in exposed coastal districts.
As the week progresses, there is some hope for slightly drier conditions by the middle of the week, though temperatures will still remain below the February average. Weather fronts moving in from the southwest may bring patchy rain to western areas, particularly Cornwall and Ireland, though the rest of the UK is likely to stay dry. However, the cold and windy conditions are expected to persist, with a keen breeze affecting Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland. Thursday is likely to be another gloomy day, with temperatures continuing to struggle and widespread cloud cover dominating the weather.
The cold weather has led to a yellow cold health alert being issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for parts of northern England and the southeast. This alert remains in place until Tuesday morning, with the cold conditions posing a risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The Met Office has also warned of potential patchy frost and icy stretches, particularly where surfaces remain untreated. This highlights the importance of taking extra precautions to stay safe and warm during this period.
Elsewhere, parts of Ireland are still recovering from the impact of Storm Eowyn, which brought record-breaking winds over two weeks ago. While power has been restored to the majority of homes and businesses, around 1,500 people remain without electricity. The National Cyber Security Centre has also issued a warning about scam text messages purporting to be from ESB Networks, advising people to be cautious and remember that government agencies and banks will never ask for bank details unexpectedly. Emergency response hubs are providing essential support to those affected, offering services such as hot food, water, phone charging, and shower facilities.
In summary, the UK is bracing itself for a prolonged period of cold and wet weather, with temperatures struggling to rise above freezing and wind chill making conditions feel even more bitter. The Met Office has warned of continued grey and gloomy skies, with rain, drizzle, and snow in hilly areas. A yellow cold health alert has been issued for parts of the country, highlighting the need for people to take extra precautions to stay safe and warm. Meanwhile, in Ireland, recovery efforts continue after Storm Eowyn, with some communities still without power and warnings about potential scams. The cold snap and storm aftermath serve as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and looking out for the most vulnerable during such challenging weather conditions.
