Britain is bracing for its coldest night of the winter so far, with temperatures forecast to plummet as low as -20C in some areas.
Thursday will be another “bitterly cold” night and is expected to be the coldest of the winter, the Met Office said. Temperatures as low as -16C to -20C are possible in Scotland, according to the BBC.
It comes as three fresh weather warnings for ice were issued by the Met Office, with two warnings covering most of England’s east coast, Wales, the Midlands, northwest England, and Northern Ireland until 10am on Friday.
A snow and ice warning for northern Scotland will now last until 10am tomorrow, and a yellow ice warning will cover southwest England and south Wales from 3am until 11am on Friday.
Last night, England, Wales and Northern Ireland all saw their coldest nights of the winter so far last night, with temperatures reaching -11.2C, -7.9C and -7.2C respectively, the Met Office said.
The coldest temperature across the whole UK last night was the -12.4C recorded at Tulloch Bridge in Inverness-shire - just short of the winter low of 13.3C recorded in the early hours of Monday.
Key Points
- Last night coldest of the winter - but tonight expected to be even colder
- Four fresh weather warnings issued, one extended
- What lies ahead for Thursday and Friday?
- Manchester Airport runways shut due to snow
- New weather warnings issued as temperatures set to plummet to -20C
What this current cold weather does to your hair – and what you can do
15:55 , Alex CroftAs weather warnings are issued across the UK, some areas are expected to see temperatures plunge as low as -10C. When it comes to your beauty routine – it’s not just your skin that suffers.
Your hair has a lot to tolerate during the blustery cold spell – from brittle breakage to excess dandruff.
So, celebrity hair experts share their top tips for keeping your hair in prime health and looking great throughout the icy snap.
A dramatic drop in temperature can wreak havoc on your hair – as it’s forced to quickly acclimatise from the chilly outdoors to drying central heating.
What this current cold weather does to your hair – and what you can do
Cold snap to end on Friday - Met Office
15:34 , Alex CroftThe cold snap which has slammed the UK in the past week will end on Friday as milder air moves in from the southwest.
Chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “Milder air will attempt to move into the UK from the southwest on Friday morning, heralding the end of this impactful cold spell.
“Increasing cloud and light rain, perhaps preceded by a little snow, will begin to affect northwestern then northern parts of the UK through the weekend.
“Here, temperatures will be back to around average by Sunday, and on Monday it’ll be much milder, with temperatures reaching double digits in Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland,” he added.
Weather forecast for Thursday afternoon - graphic
15:13 , Alex CroftA cold, sunny and crisp afternoon for many with wintry showers in northern Scotland and isolated ones elsewhere ☀️
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 9, 2025
Icy surfaces are possible so take care on the roads ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/oHCoepcFmP
Explainer | Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow and freezing temperatures?
14:45 , Alex CroftTemperatures are dropping across the UK with snow weather warnings in place.
Meteorologists had warned that temperatures overnight could have plummeted to as low as minus 8C as a week-long spell of wintry conditions hit the UK.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cold weather health alerts for all of England remain in place ahead of a week of low temperatures.
With this news, many will be thinking about how this chilly weather may affect our pets.
It’s important to prepare our dogs, as well as ourselves, for this forecast.
Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow and freezing temperatures?
Tips for driving safely on ice
14:18 , Alex CroftWith parts of the country covered by snow and ice warnings, the Met hasissued advice for how to drive safely on ice.
Only drive if it is absolutely necessary, the forecaster says. If you must drive, follow this advice:
- Looking well ahead for potential hazards and keep your speed down.
- Accelerating, braking, steering and changing gear as smoothly as possible to reduce the risk of a skid.
- Using a higher gear may be more appropriate to help grip on packed ice.
- Using a higher gear helps manage engine power making it easier to find traction.
In pictures: The sun rises over a blanket of snow across the UK
14:04 , Alex Croft
Why is there a cold health alert in place?
13:44 , Alex CroftThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold weather health alert due to the freezing temperatures across the UK this week.
But what does it actually indicate? Here’s what Dr Agostinho Sousa, the head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, says:
“We are extending the duration of our Cold-Health Alert, since the Met Office are forecasting that the low temperatures we are seeing will continue further into this week, with snow and icy conditions likely to persist.
“This weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital that we continue to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
Report: Bad weather forces Southampton-bound cruise ship to divert to France
13:25 , Alex CroftA cruise ship was forced to divert off course to France after sailing into “adverse weather” near the Isle of Wight on Monday (6 January).
AIDA ship AIDAnova had departed Hamburg, Germany for Southampton as part of a seven day cruise on 4 January.
Instead, once reaching Cowes on the Isle of Wight, passengers skipped the Southampton stop and headed straight for Cherbourg, France, after encountering bad weather.
The cruise line said 68-knot (78mph) “wind gusts” were to blame for the port change due to “restricted tug availability”.
After circling off Bonchurch in the English Channel, the vessel turned around in the Solent.
Read the full report by Natalie Wilson:
Last night coldest of the winter - but tonight expected to be even colder
13:09 , Alex CroftLast night was the coldest of the winter so far, with England (-11.2C), Wales (-7.9C) and Northern Ireland (-7.2C) all recording their lowest temperatures thus far.
Scotland recorded the UK’s lowest temperature, with -12.4C at Tulloch Bridge in Inverness-shire But this was short of the winter low of 13.3C recorded in the early hours of Monday.
Tonight is expected to be even colder, the Met Office says, with temperatures dropping as low as -16C.
Chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “Another very cold night is expected tonight with temperatures dipping as low as -16°C where we have lying snow in Scotland and northern England.
“Temperatures will also be well below freezing across much of the UK so there is a continued risk of ice overnight and through Friday morning’s rush hour.”
Most rescues since 2022, says car insurer
13:03 , Alex CroftCar insurer RAV has seen the highest levels of demand for rescuers throughout a three-day period since December 2022.
Alice Simpson, the RAC breakdown spokeswoman, said: “Cold conditions will last until at least the weekend, so we urge drivers to remain vigilant of the risks posed by ice and, in some locations, snow.
“Black ice on rural roads can be impossible to spot, leaving very little time to react if driving at speed. Sticking to major roads that are most likely to have been gritted is strongly recommended.”
School closures: Find out which are shut in your local authority amid heavy snow and ice weather warnings
12:42 , Alex CroftHundreds of schools are closed for the fourth day running as the UK endures an icy blast, with temperatures hitting as low as minus 16C.
Snow and sleet began to hit southern England on Wednesday afternoon as an amber weather warning came into force, with the Met Office saying further warnings are likely to be issued as the week goes on.
Pupils across the country have had their Christmas holidays extended as classrooms have failed to reopen due to flooding, icy conditions and bad weather. With warnings now covering large parts of Wales, Somerset and Cornwall, more areas are likely to face the brunt of Britain’s icy blast on Thursday.
The Met Office had already measured 3cm of snow in Herstmonceux, East Sussex, and 2cm in Liscombe, Somerset, by Wednesday evening.
Holly Evans and Albert Toth report:
Trains cancelled due to cold weather and flooding
12:16 , Alex CroftTransport for Wales has closed some rail lines due to damage to the tracks following a period of “heavy wind, rain and snow”.
Buses will replace trains between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog until Monday at the earliest.
A signalling fault is also causing major disruption between Crewe and Wilmslow, affecting Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern and Transport for Wales services.
Flooding means the Great Western Railway line between Liskeard and Looe in Cornwall is still closed.
Coldest overnight temperature was 11.2C - Met Office
11:55 , Alex CroftThe coldest recorded temperatures last night was in Shap in Cumbria at minus 11.2C, the Met Office said.
Temperatures had been forecast to plunge as low as minus 16C overnight.
A spokeswoman for the Met OFfice told the PA news agency they are “expecting tonight to be another very cold night”.
Temperatures are set to turn milder from the north west later in the weekend.
Met graphic shows icy blast set to hit UK
11:37 , Alex Croft⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 9, 2025
Ice across southeast Scotland and northeast England
Thursday 1600 - Friday 1000
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/d2dUdq0x6t
Three fresh weather warnings issued, one extended
11:10 , Alex CroftThree fresh yellow weather warnings for ice have been issued by the Met Office across the UK, as a warning for snow and ice is extended.
The snow and ice warning, in place for northern Scotland, has been extended until 10am on Friday.
An ice warning has been introduced until Friday 10am for most of England’s east coast, stretching from East Anglia up to the southeast tip of Scotland.
Another is in place for most of Wales, areas of the Midlands and northwest England, and the northeastern half of Northern Ireland. It will be lifted at the same time.
A third weather warning for ice will be issued for south Wales and southwest England from 3am until 11am on Friday.
“Scattered wintry showers on Thursday evening will slowly fade overnight, leading to the risk of icy patches on untreated surfaces as temperatures fall below freezing,” the Met Office said.
Three weather warnings lifted
11:03 , Alex CroftThree weather warnings have been lifted for snow and ice.
The warnings covered south west England, western and northern Wales, and northern parts of northern Ireland.
One yelloe warning for snow and ice remains in northern Scotland.
Manchester Airport warns of delays as runways reopen
10:46 , Alex CroftManchester Airport runways are now back open after a temporary closure due to heavy snow.
The airport said on X: “Our runways are now open but, as a result of the earlier closure, some departures and arrivals may still experience delays.
“Please check with your airline for the latest flight information and allow extra time for your journey today.
“We would like to thank teams for their hard work in getting the runways operational again.”
ℹ️ 09.01.25 | 10am
— Manchester Airport (@manairport) January 9, 2025
Information for passengers due to travel from @manairport. pic.twitter.com/N5G6ZVxgpT
Yellow warning for ice in southern England lifted
10:31 , Alex CroftA yellow weather warning for ice which has covered much of southern England for the past 10 hours has now been lifted.
Temperatures in the area currently range from around -2C to 3C.
As of now, there are no more weather warnings in place for the weekend - but the Met Office’s forecast for Wednesday said snow and ice warnings are “likely to be issued” on Thursday and Friday.
In pictures: The northeast freezes over
10:15 , Alex Croft
Walking and cycling safely in icy conditions
09:56 , Alex CroftPeople who need to walk or cycle in areas at risk of snow and ice are advised by the Met Office to take extra care and leave early if possible.
The forecaster issued the following advice for those leaving their homes:
- Plan to leave the house five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush reduces your risk of accidents, slips and falls.
- If making a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
- Take extra care when walking on untreated pavements and prepare for journeys by wearing footwear with a good grip.
- Where possible do not cycle on untreated roads as accidents are more likely.
What lies ahead for Thursday and Friday?
09:37 , Alex CroftLow temperatures are set to continue and further snow and ice warnings are likely, as a northly airflow continues to bring cool weather to the UK, the Met Office said in its forecast yesterday.
Fronts moving in from the southwest on Friday and Saturday will bring the potential for more sleet and snow, the forecaster added.
Deputy chief forecaster Christoph Almond said: “Thursday will see another cold night, with potentially the lowest temperatures of the Winter so far, -15°C - possibly -16°C is likely in locations with lying snow in Scotland or northern England.
“In the early hours of Friday, a front arriving from the west will encounter the cold air in place over the UK. This could bring further sleet or snowfall for some regions in the south and west, as well as a risk of ice for a time as it moves north-eastwards into central parts, but the extent of this is still uncertain.”
Manchester Airport runways shut due to snow
09:18 , Alex CroftManchester Airport’s runways have been forced to close due to snow, it has announced.
“Our runways are temporarily closed due to significant levels of snow, as our teams work hard to clear them as quickly as possible,” the airport said on X.
“The safety of our passengers is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience during this time. Please check with your airline for the latest flight information and allow extra travel time today.
“We will update you as soon as possible. Thank you.”
ℹ️ 09.01.25 | 9am
— Manchester Airport (@manairport) January 9, 2025
Information for passengers due to travel from @manairport. pic.twitter.com/dGdpA3x1AZ
Fog warning lifted in Northern Ireland
09:03 , Alex CroftA fog warning which covered most of Northern Ireland overnight has now been lifted.
Snow and ice warnings remain in place in Wales, northern parts of Northern Ireland, southern England and northern Scotland today.
Thursday morning weather warnings
08:42 , Alex CroftFive weather warnings are in place for Thursday, as the UK’s cold snap continues.
Snow and ice warnings cover western and northern Wales, Cornwall and northern parts of Northern Ireland until 11am.
An ice warning across most of southern England will be in place until 10:30am, and a snow and ice warning in northern Scotland will be lifted at 23:59.
The Met Office warns of an increased likelihood of injuries due to icy surfaces and travel disruption in the affected areas.
Southern parts of Northern Ireland will also see a fog warning lifted at 9am.
Highest level of rescue demand since December 2022, says RAC
08:00 , Namita SinghCar insurer RAC said it has seen the highest levels of demand for rescues in a three-day period since December 2022.
“Cold conditions will last until at least the weekend, so we urge drivers to remain vigilant of the risks posed by ice and, in some locations, snow,” said RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson.
“Black ice on rural roads can be impossible to spot, leaving very little time to react if driving at speed. Sticking to major roads that are most likely to have been gritted is strongly recommended.”
UK snow map: Where and when heavy snow, rain and flooding will hit the strongest
07:30 , Namita SinghA number of weather warnings are in place for parts of the UK on Thursday, as more snow is forecast to fall across the country and flooding is expected.
The Met Office has issued three yellow weather warnings for snow and ice following a days of wintry conditions across the country weather.
A snow and ice warning has been issued from midday on Wednesday to Thursday evening, covering northern Scotland.
UK snow map: Where and when heavy snow, rain and flooding will hit
List of schools closed due to snow, ice and rain as UK hit by icy blast
07:15 , Namita SinghHundreds of schools are closed for the fourth day running as the UK endures an icy blast, with temperatures hitting as low as -16C.
Pupils across the country have had their Christmas holidays extended as classrooms have failed to reopen due to flooding, icy conditions and bad weather. With warnings now covering large parts of Wales, Somerset and Cornwall, more areas are likely to face the brunt of Britain’s icy blast on Thursday.
Report:
List of schools closed due to snow, ice and rain as UK hit by icy blast
Ice, snow, and -16C temperatures: full Met Office forecast
07:00 , Alex CroftIcy conditions, snowfall and temperatures as low as-16C have all been forecast for the week ahead, the Met Office said.
In their forecast published on Thursday afternoon, deputy chief forecaster Christoph Almond said: “Thursday will see another cold night, with potentially the lowest temperatures of the Winter so far, -15°C - possibly -16°C is likely in locations with lying snow in Scotland or northern England.
“In the early hours of Friday, a front arriving from the west will encounter the cold air in place over the UK. This could bring further sleet or snowfall for some regions in the south and west, as well as a risk of ice for a time as it moves north-eastwards into central parts, but the extent of this is still uncertain.”
“By Sunday, milder air will have moved in across much of the UK, meaning rain is more likely than snow as we get to the end of the weekend. Northern Ireland and Western Scotland are most likely to see some showery outbreaks of rain and breezy conditions through Sunday and Monday, with conditions further south and east drier and more settled, but with some overnight fog and frost.”
Mapped: How many flu cases are in my area as hospitals declare critical incidents?
06:30 , Alex CroftThe number of flu cases has soared across England, with 5,074 patients with the virus being treated in hospital at the end of December.
This marks an increase of 305 per cent from the end of November, and is up by 352 per cent from the same day last year (1,458 patients).
The numbers are in line with 2022’s flu crisis, when 5,508 patients were in hospital with flu at end of December that year.
In the midst of this surge, eight hospitals across the country have declared critical incidents with “sustained pressures” are leading to waits of up to 50 hours.
The Independent’s data correspondent Alicja Hagopian reports:
Mapped: How many flu cases are in my area as hospitals declare critical incidents?
In pictures: Leicestershire floods
06:00 , Alex Croft
Cold weather health alert extended to Sunday
05:44 , Namita SinghThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its cold weather health alert for all of England until Sunday.
Amber alerts have been extended and will now run until January 12, meaning a rise in deaths is likely, the agency said.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: “We are extending the duration of our Cold-Health Alert, since the Met Office are forecasting that the low temperatures we are seeing will continue further into this week, with snow and icy conditions likely to persist.
“This weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital that we continue to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
Met predicts ‘bitterly cold’ Thursday night
05:35 , Namita SinghIt will be “bitterly cold” on Thursday night, said Oli Claydon, spokesperson for the Met Office.
He told the PA news agency the lowest temperatures will be recorded in rural Scotland and rural northern England where there is lying snow, cloudless skies and very cold airflow.
A temperature of -14C would equal the lowest seen in this month last year, recorded in Dalwhinnie in the Scottish Highlands on 17 January 2024.
But a temperature of -16C would be the lowest recorded in January in the UK for 15 years, since -22.3C was logged in Altnaharra in the Highlands on 8 January 2010, according to Met Office data.
Yellow fog warning in place in NI
05:00 , Namita SinghA yellow fog warning has been issued for Northern Ireland until 9am this morning.
A further yellow warning for snow and ice affecting Cornwall, much of Wales and parts of north-west England has been issued until 11am.
And a yellow ice warning has been issued for parts of southern England and south-east Wales until 10.30am.
As icy conditions persist, motorists are being urged to stick to major roads that are most likely to have been gritted.
Homeowners trapped inside while ‘still recovering’ from flood a year ago
05:00 , Alex CroftDozens of homeowners in Leicestershire have been trapped after flooding caused damage to their properties which have still not been fixed after they were destroyed by water a year ago.
Homeowners on Belton Road in Loughborough remained stranded on the first floor of their semi-detached houses on Tuesday after rising water from the nearby Grand Union canal flooded the street.
Families on the road complained they were hit with similar flooding from Storm Henk on January 3 last year which ruined their properties and left them trapped inside.
Read the full report after severe flooding struck Leicestershire
Homeowners trapped inside while ‘still recovering’ from flood a year ago
Forecasters warn of travel disruption to road and rail services
04:53 , Namita SinghTravel disruption to road and rail services are likely this morning in the warning areas, as well as the potential for accidents in icy places, the forecaster said.
A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place for northern Scotland until midnight on Thursday and another snow and ice warning is in force for Northern Ireland until 11am in the morning as sleet and snow showers are set to continue.
Ploughs fitted to gritters to clear routes in Devon and Cornwall
04:33 , Namita SinghPloughs have been fitted to gritters in Devon and Cornwall which will work into Thursday morning to clear routes in the area, police and highways officials said.
It comes as significant travel disruption was caused by the snow yesterday with some roads closed and motorists stationary for “long periods of time”, a joint statement from Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon County Council Highways said.
Snow ploughs became stuck in queues of traffic caused by “minor incidents”, the statement added.
New weather warnings issued as temperatures set to plummet to -20C
03:36 , Namita SinghFresh weather warnings have been issued as temperatures are set to plummet. Forecasters predict the coldest nights of the year will come over the next two days as temperatures could reach as low as -20C in areas that have seen heavy snowfall, according to the BBC. The Met Office predicted lows of -16C.
Snow, ice and fog yellow weather warnings have been issued for areas across the UK today, which come after snow and sleet caused disruption on Wednesday.
Significant travel disruption was caused by the snow in Devon and Cornwall on Wednesday, with some roads closed and motorists stationary for “long periods of time”, a joint statement from Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon County Council Highways said.
Man whose house was damaged by Storm Henk last year has home flooded again
03:01 , Alex CroftA man, who did not wish to be named, found his home flooded on Tuesday in Belton Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, from rising water in the nearby Grand Union Canal.
He said he has been living in alternative accommodation for a year since Storm Henk damaged his property last January and was just about to move back in before the flooding started again on Monday.
The homeowner told the PA News Agency, as he stood on the road near his house: “They had almost got everything ready to move back in – all new downstairs. Now, all the new stuff, the new items, have got to be repaired and replaced again.
“They will potentially tell us it’s all got to be scrapped.
“Last year everything downstairs – the carpets, flooring, furniture – all were damaged.
“In the space of a year, it’s just unbelievable that it’s happened again.
“I can’t comprehend this all, you never think it’s going to happen in this area.
“It’s the Grand Union canal – it seems like there’s a weak point that just sort of overflows and just all comes cascading down this way.”
RAC say Monday was the busiest day for breakdowns this winter
01:02 , Alex CroftRod Dennis, RAC spokesperson, said: “Monday was our busiest day for breakdowns this winter so far, with our teams taking more calls from members than at any other point in the last 12 months. With cold conditions persisting, we expect today to be almost as busy with our patrols working incredibly hard to rescue our members and get people moving.
“Anyone unfortunate enough to break down should expect a longer wait than normal this week. It’s therefore more important than ever that drivers ensure they have an emergency breakdown kit in the boot – extra warm clothes including waterproofs, sturdy shoes, some food and drink and a fully charged power bank to keep a mobile phone charged up.
“With hundreds of flood warnings still in force, especially across central and southern parts of the UK, drivers need to remain vigilant. They should never drive through standing water unless they can be totally sure all of it is shallow, which can be impossible on roads that aren’t perfectly flat.
“If in any doubt about the water’s depth, turn around and find another safer route. We also urge everyone to obey road closures which are in place to keep them away from floodwater.”
Number of flu hospital admissions 3.6 times higher than last year, Northern Irish health minister says
00:01 , Alex CroftThe number of people admitted to hospital with flu in Northern Ireland this winter is 3.6 times higher than the previous year, Stormont’s Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said.
Mr Nesbitt told the Health Committee that patients facing long waits in hospital emergency departments were often having to “surrender their dignity and privacy” and said staff were facing “moral injury”.
The minister announced that the flu vaccination programme would be extended to all those over the age of 50.
Officials from the Department of Health said it has been the worst year for flu cases since before the pandemic, but added they believed the number of hospital admissions had peaked.
Mr Nesbitt attended the emergency meeting of his oversight committee amid ongoing concerns about winter pressures on health services in Northern Ireland, particularly the amount of time people are having to wait at emergency departments in hospitals.
Mr Nesbitt began his evidence by paying tribute to health and social care staff who had worked over Christmas.
The minister said he was “looking for levers short term” to deal with hospital pressures, as well as offering a “blank page” for next winter.
