The Met Office has issued a stark warning that upcoming snowfall across the UK is set to be worse than initially expected, with up to 20cm (eight inches) forecast to hit some regions.
The alert was issued on Monday, November 17, ahead of a period of severe wintry weather expected from Tuesday, November 18, through to Thursday, November 20.
Severe Snowfall and Widespread Frost Predictions
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Tom Crabtree, provided a detailed breakdown of the expected accumulations. He stated that while some low-lying areas in the north and east could see 2-5 cm of snow, more significant falls are anticipated on higher ground.
"On hills in parts of Northern Ireland, the northeast of England and Scotland, 5-10 cm of snow could fall," he said. "Accumulations of 15-20cm are possible above 300 metres in parts of northeastern England and Scotland."
Adding to the concerns, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley explained the meteorological drivers behind the severe cold snap. "As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the North West will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK," he said.
Mr Holley predicted widespread frosts with temperatures potentially plunging to a biting minus 7C, creating a high risk of ice on untreated surfaces.
Urgent Health Warnings Issued
In response to the forecast, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated Cold Health Alerts. Yellow alerts are in force across the Midlands and northern England until 8am on Friday.
More severe amber alerts have been issued for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber regions. An amber warning indicates that the weather conditions are likely to have significant impacts across health and social care services.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has urged particular caution for vulnerable individuals. Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, warned that cold temperatures can "increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes." She further noted that "people with cardiovascular disease are also more at risk of serious illness if they get seasonal respiratory infections like flu."
Travel Disruption and Safety Advice
BBC Weather has reinforced the Met Office's warnings, highlighting the risk of ice forming from overnight showers and low temperatures. The public is advised to be cautious of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
Icy patches are probable on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths, which could lead to significant travel disruption during the three-day period. Authorities are urging people to stay informed about the latest forecasts and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
