As yellow cold weather warnings remain in place across much of the UK, showery rain, hill snow, and icy patches are set to cause disruption. The Met Office has warned of a sharp drop in temperatures, with hazardous conditions expected in several regions.
On Thursday night, the coldest spot in the country was Braemar, Scotland, where temperatures plummeted to -8.6°C. While the rest of the UK won’t get quite that cold, parts of Scotland could still see lows of -4°C to -5°C on Friday night.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued Yellow Cold-Health Alerts for several regions, including the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the South East, warning of increased health risks for vulnerable individuals. These alerts, in effect until 9 AM on Tuesday, indicate a likely rise in healthcare service demand and a greater risk to those most susceptible to the cold.
Saturday is expected to feel bitterly cold, with cloudy skies and some clearing in the southeast later in the day. A brisk easterly wind will make conditions even more uncomfortable, dragging temperatures lower.
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon explained the temperature drop, saying:
“February has started warmer than average, so it’s going to be a return to more typical February averages, albeit a bit colder.”
While the chill sets in, there’s also a chance of snow drifting into southern England and south Wales, though Dixon notes:
“This is relatively short-lived, it’s not expected to be impactful at the moment.”
The Met Office is also monitoring potential wintry showers on Monday, which could lead to further disruptions. While the snow is mostly expected to stay on higher ground, some lower-lying areas may see a dusting as temperatures stay low.
With daytime temperatures sitting slightly below February’s average maximum of 7°C, much of the UK will hover around 5°C to 6°C, though the wind chill will make it feel even colder.
With the sudden return of winter’s icy grip, experts are urging people to wrap up warm, check on vulnerable neighbors, and be cautious on icy roads. Those with weekend plans should stay alert for weather updates, as winter isn’t done with us yet!
