This weekend, snow and ice are hitting Scotland, the southeast, and the west of England, bringing severe weather to these regions.
Extreme weather conditions are causing traffic disruptions, and there is a tiny danger that rural villages will be cut off.
The runways of Manchester Airport were temporarily closed owing to “heavy snowfall.”
In some locations, temperatures are expected to reach -10 degrees Celsius, and a yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for Scotland, Wales, and southwest England.
On Sunday, the snow warning is extended to London and the South East.
The Met Office predicted a widespread frost on Saturday night and an expansion of freezing fog patches on Sunday morning.
It cautioned that power outages and cell phone coverage could be disrupted and that the weather could cause additional travel disruptions, particularly on Monday.
However, the weather warning for Northern Ireland has been lifted, despite the chilly weather causing the cancellation of some athletic events.
It has begun to snow in Devon, Wales, and portions of Scotland and the northwest of England.
Saturday morning, both runways at Manchester Airport were blocked due to “heavy snowfall,” affecting scores of flights.
The airport encouraged customers to contact their respective airlines for flight updates.
Following accidents on highways including the M58, M62, and M61, motorists in northwestern England are urged to exercise caution.
The A39 near Baxworthy, Devon, has also been closed due to “severe snow and ice,” according to the Devon County Council’s Twitter page for highways and emergency planning warnings.
Chief meteorologist at the Met Office, Steve Willington, stated: “Over the next few days, daytime temperatures will remain only a few degrees above freezing in many locations, and overnight temperatures may plunge to -10C or lower in isolated locations.
“Although below normal, these temperatures for this time of year are not very exceptional.
“There is still a chance of frosty fog in southern England, especially on Sunday and Monday mornings,” Meteorologists say.
The four yellow weather warnings issued by the Met Office include:
snow and ice across the northern and central parts of Scotland until noon Sunday.
Sunday till noon: ice for much of the western side of England, sections of Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland, and Wales.
Snow and ice across the northern, central, and eastern regions of Scotland from 15:00 on Saturday to noon on Sunday.
Snow and ice in London, the South East, and the East of England from Sunday at 9:00 a.m. through Monday at 9:00 a.m.
Meteorologist Stav Danaos stated that the cold snap is “here to stay for the foreseeable future.”
He said: “The northern and western regions where we’ve had rain remain frosty into Saturday night. Snow drifts throughout southern Scotland and perhaps north-eastern England as it moves southward.”
He said, “On Sunday, we must keep an eye on a weak region of low pressure developing in the south-east quadrant of England; this might develop into the denser cloud and possibly sleet and snow, which could affect portions of the south-east and east Anglia.”
People are recommended to check on vulnerable relatives and acquaintances to ensure they have access to warm meals and beverages as the winter weather approaches.
The UKHSA said that residents should maintain indoor temperatures of at least 18C. (64.4F).
Consultant in public health medicine at UKHSA, Dr. Agostinho Sousa stated: “The effects of cold weather on health can be severe, with the elderly and those with heart or lung diseases being particularly vulnerable.
“If you have a preexisting medical condition, you should maintain a suitable temperature in your house.
“If you can, try to maintain a temperature of at least 18 degrees Celsius in the living room and bedroom. Keep the windows in your bedroom closed at night. Multiple layers of clothing will keep you warmer than a single layer of clothing.”
This weekend, gritters will be deployed to help clear the roads and reduce travel disruptions.
Darren Clark, manager of severe weather resilience at National Highways, stated, “National Highways is committed to addressing every road that requires treatment – whenever necessary.”
The RAC stated that it has been “extraordinarily busy” in recent days since it has received a quarter more breakdown calls than usual for this time of year.
