The UK has seen its coldest night of the year so far after temperatures fell below -10C in parts of Scotland on Thursday, as the country is set for more cold and ice this week.
Drumnadrochit near Inverness in the Highlands hit -10.4C in the late hours of Thursday morning - the coldest temperature on record for 2023 - amid warnings of snow, ice and travel disruption.
The Met Office has issued a new weather alert for ice for Thursday, January 19, that is set to last until Friday morning, as rain showers continue overnight.
Forecasters are warning people to look out for icy patches on untreated roads in the north this evening, as well as treacherous paths that could cause slips and falls.
Speaking on the plunging temperatures, Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna told PA: “Parts of north-west Scotland still have 34cm of snow lying, elsewhere this is around 9cm, and in sites across Northern Ireland we’ve got 7cm, and in Wales as well.
“The main thing elsewhere is frost and ice, showers are focused towards the north and west of the UK, so elsewhere a frosty and icy, but dry start.
“Lighter winds in the south on Thursday, so it’s not going to feel quite as raw, even though temperatures are still cold, there will be less of a wind chill effect.
“Gradually it will turn less cold over the next few days, we hold onto it generally today and tomorrow, but into the weekend Atlantic air starts to come in, bringing temperatures up to double figures.”
Here's everything to know about Scotland's latest weather warning, including how long it will last.
Scotland's yellow weather warning for ice
Time: Thursday, January 19 - 5pm to 10am, Friday, January 20
A yellow weather warning for ice is in place for north Scotland, including the Northern Isles, with more ice predicted for Thursday evening, lasting until tomorrow morning.
The Met Office reported: "Showers will continue this evening and overnight but drier, clearer spells will become more widespread towards dawn on Friday leading to surfaces falling below freezing. Showers will fall increasingly as rain to low levels, but will continue to fall as snow above around 250 metres where 1-3 cm is possible in a few places."
What to expect
- Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
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