UK Hit by Severe Weather as Yellow Warnings for Snow and Rain Are Issued

A blast of cold weather continues to affect the UK, with yellow warnings for snow and rain in place. According to the Met Office‘s Dan Stroud, while the worst of the weather has passed, conditions are still unsettled. Snow warnings are currently in place for northern England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, with a rain warning in southern England. Central and northern Scotland have a warning for snow and ice. The severe weather led to school closures and travel disruption on Thursday.

Some notable measurements include 10cm of snow in Kirkwall, Orkney, and a temperature of -13.8C in Altnaharra, Scottish Highlands. Heavy rainfall of 43.2mm was recorded in Harbertonford, South Devon. School closures were reported in Flintshire, Wales, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Cumbria. North Wales Police responded to several minor road traffic collisions while Great Western Railway experienced disruptions due to flooding between Bath and Swindon.

London‘s Euston station also experienced significant delays, partly caused by a swan on the line. The Met Office has warned of impassable untreated pavements and cycle paths, with a risk of slips and falls on icy surfaces. As the weather situation varies across the UK, different areas will experience different levels of snowfall and potential travel disruption.

Looking ahead, more snow is expected in Scotland, accompanied by strong winds. Heavy spells could also occur in England and Wales as temperatures rise. The UK’s cold weather coincides with the EU climate service‘s declaration that global warming has reached a record high. Despite this, urgent action to reduce carbon emissions can still help slow down global warming.

As the UK braces for further snow and icy conditions, people are advised to take necessary precautions and stay updated on weather alerts and warnings. The country continues to adapt to the challenging weather conditions and work towards minimizing the impact on daily life and essential services.