UK weather – latest: Snow and ice warnings as Brits warned conditions ‘worse rather than better’
Saturday and Sunday slapped with fresh set of alerts for snow and ice
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Your support makes all the difference.Britain has been warned of more snow and ice this weekend after temperatures plummeted to -10C overnight.
Conditions are “actually going to get worse rather than better”, said Andrew Page-Dove of the National Highways, as there is risk of freezing rain on the roads after Storm Larisa.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice which cover large swathes of the country.
Met Office meteorologist Matthew Box said rain, sleet and snow will push northeast across the country during the weekend, likely falling on the hills and mountains of the Pennines, the Cumbrian vales and some parts of Scotland.
But added snowfall would be “nothing to the same extent as what we saw on Thursday”.
It comes after persistent snowfall caused “absolute carnage” on the M62 trans-Pennine motorway on Friday.
Storm Larisa brought with it “treacherous conditions”, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.
The UK Arctic blast: Pictured
As parts of the UK are due another dose of snow overnight - with up to 40 centimetres expected in the Lake District - here is the UK’s Arctic blast pictured.
Storm Larisa set to bring “treacherous conditions” amidst 50mph winds and 40cm of snow
Storm Larisa is set to bring “treacherous conditions” to the UK on Thursday night and Friday morning, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said the storm, which has been named by the French weather service, is bringing rain and snow to the UK.
“Storm Larisa, which Meteo France have named, is the same low pressure system that is bringing us the bands of rain,” he said.
AA issues warning as snow set to worsen driving conditions
The AA has warned drivers in northern England to be wary of worsening weather.
It has stated that drivers should consider whether any journeys made today are necessary, as snow and ice continue to sweep across much of the UK.
The amber snow alert was extended by The Met Office today, with the AA warning of conditions on motorways and roads leading into Liverpool, Sheffield, Bradford and Leeds.
The AA has advised those that do need to travel to be cautious.
Met Office issues five new snow warnings, from Strathclyde to London
The Met Office has issued five new snow warnings across London and the southeast, southwest England, the East Midlands and the East of England.
It has also issued fresh alerts across Wales and the Strathclyde area of Scotland.
The warnings for snow and ice are set to be in place from 4am on Friday until 10pm.
The Met Office said: “Periods of rain will likely transition to snow from the northwest, continuing east and south through Friday morning easing as it does so.”
Nithsdale Police issues warning to Scottish residents as snowfall continues
As snow continues to plough through much of the UK, Nithsdale Police have urged Scottish residents to practice caution.
“Take time to ensure you fully defrost all your vehicles windows before setting off”, the force advised via Twitter.
“Expect roads, pavements & paths to be affected by ice. A weather warning for snow in force”, it added.
Age UK issues cold weather advice, urging communities to check on vulnerable people
As snow continues to sweep the UK, Age UK has urged communities to keep an eye out for vulnerable people.
The charity has reminded people to come together amidst the cold weather and make time for relatives, friends and neighbours.
Calling in for a chat or a cup of tea is an apt way to ensure that people that might be trapped indoors have everything they need. The charity also advises checking that their homes are warm enough.
Met Office explains why UK will see snow and -15C temperatures this week
The Met Office has warned UK residents to brace themselves for snow and plunging temperatures this week.
Forecasters have explained that a major change in climate is underway, as Arctic air moves in from the north, bringing snow, ice and freezing temperatures for many.
Experts believe the sudden drop in temperature is being caused by sudden stratospheric warming and could bring about similar freezing conditions to the Beast from the East in 2018.
Warnings for snow and ice have been issued across northeastern parts of the UK as well as some Northern Ireland and southern and central areas of England and Wales.
Further warnings are likely to be issued throughout the week.
Read more:
UK weather: Met Office explains why UK will see snow and -15C temperatures this week
Arctic air blowing from the north is expected to bring snow ice and temperatures as low as -15C for some
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The freezing weather the UK has experienced this week, which has seen Scotland and norther and central England blasted with snow and forecasters warning of “blizzard conditions” to come, means some households could become eligible for Cold Weather Payments – but what are they and who can receive one?
Here, we answer some of the key questions about them.
Ted Hennessey reports:
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Payouts made to vulnerable people, including pensioners, in England and Wales to help them pay for heating in periods of extreme winter temperatures
Mapped: Where snow will fall on Friday as amber warnings issued
New maps have revealed where snow will fall as the UK is gripped by freezing temperatures.
As temperatures continue to plummet amidst the Arctic blast, areas across the UK have been swept by snow and ice, with the Met Office issuing weather warnings across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
All areas north of Birmingham have been issued with a combination of yellow and amber warnings. Following snowfall across northern England on Thursday morning, snow will continue to fall throughout the afternoon and overnight into early Friday morning.
Read more:
Mapped: Where snow will fall on Friday as amber warnings issued
Some areas across the UK could see between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow
How to drive in snow and ice
The current heavy snow across the UK means drivers are facing icy roads and treacherous conditions.
The gritters are out but motorists are still being advised against making unnecessary journeys and to proceed with extreme caution when setting out proves unavoidable.
Joe Sommerlad reports:
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