Ice and snow set to pummel UK, all the weather warnings you should be aware of this week

The UK has faced some freezing conditions recently, which impacts everyone in different ways. While some people are concerned about catching a cold if they head outside, others are worried about these pesky fines that crop up for drivers in cold weather.

While Android and iPhone users have been warned about the effects of the cold on their devices, many are beginning to wonder just how low the temperatures are set to drop. Here’s what the forecasters predict, and a summary of the Met Office’s weather warnings for the week.

Temperatures to get as low as -15C

These freezing conditions are thanks to an arctic blast that is travelling from north to south, bringing particularly cold weather to areas across the UK. Temperatures are set to plummet to as low as -15C in some areas, with conditions expected to be 5C-6C lower than usual for this time of year.

Craig Snell, a Met Office forecaster, commented on today’s temperature and what we can expect tomorrow:

In the early hours of Tuesday morning we’re looking at temperatures getting down to -12C in a few spots, Tuesday night possibly down to -15C. So certainly a very cold spell into Wednesday.

Snow has already fallen across some of the UK, most notably in northern and eastern Scotland. On Monday evening, 15cm of snow stacked up at Aberdeen airport. The Met Office has issued weather warnings for snow and ice for the coming week.

Met Office’s weather warnings

Two ice and snow warnings have been issued for Tuesday 16 January, covering Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern parts of England. The forecast states that ‘further snow showers, perhaps merging into a longer spell of snow, are likely to cause further disruption on Tuesday’.

These warnings run into Thursday, with a particular focus on ice around the central belt of Scotland. On Friday, the warnings extend further south, including Manchester and Liverpool.

National Highways, which is responsible for the roads in England, has said that some rural communities in the north-west could face being cut off by the cold weather conditions.

National network manager Amy Fellows, said:

Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as snow and ice, so take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected.

When it comes to your health during this cold spell, be sure to wrap up warm. Dr Agostinho Sousa, the UKHSA head of extreme events and health protection, points out that this is especially important for vulnerable people:

The temperatures we will see can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

Check in on neighbours during this time, and make sure to leave the house prepared in the morning!

Read more:

⋙ Can you stay home when it's too cold in the office? Here's what you should know

⋙ Cold weather: This is how your body is affected by low temperatures

⋙ This is how you can tell if you're suffering from the flu or a simple cold

Sources used:

Met Office: UK weather warnings

The Guardian: Arctic blast set to sweep through UK, bringing temperatures as low as -15C