Snow moving east across Scotland today will see 5 to 10cm accumulate to low levels fairly quickly in places this morning across parts of the central belt.
An amber warning has been issued until 12 noon today, although snow has already started to turn to low-level rain in the southern part of the warning area. Therefore, the worst conditions from here on out look to be passing over the higher parts, just north of the Fort Clyde Valley. There is also a yellow warning for snow and ice covering a much wider area until 9pm tonight. There is some concern that sleet or rain could fall on frozen surfaces, leading to icy conditions in some areas.
A number of other yellow national severe weather warnings for snow, ice and wind are either in place or will be issued in the coming days. The UK will remain cold over the weekend, with the risk of sleet and snow at times continuing mainly in northern areas.
The Met Office’s chief forecaster, Frank Saunders, said: “The UK will remain in a northerly airstream until the weekend, but then the cold conditions that have dominated our weather patterns will start to lose ground to mild air coming in from the south-west – but not without problems in the transition period. As the mild air meets the cold air currently in place over the UK, there will be a transitional period of snow, even down to low levels, especially in the north. Add to this the risk of rain falling on frozen surfaces and strong winds over the mountainous areas of northern Britain (leading to blizzard conditions for a short time) and it could be a day to avoid traveling in some areas, although the snow should to turn into rain later. “
On Sunday, a significant change in weather will begin. Next week will remain unsettled, possibly with temperatures trending lower again, although not as cold as we are currently experiencing. We could potentially see a return of some winter hazards, but with a lot of uncertainty about how long that might be and what associated hazards it might bring. Strong winds could prove destructive at times during the first half of the week.
A level 3 cold weather warning has been issued by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) covering the whole of England and is currently in place until 12 noon on Sunday 18 December.
Cold Weather Advisory
The Met Office website has lots of advice on how to prepare for cold weather. Dr Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious health consequences and the elderly and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you need to heat your home to a comfortable temperature. In rooms you use most often, such as the living room or bedroom, try to warm them to at least 18°C if you can. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.
Douglas Cairns, Traffic Scotland operator manager, said: “We urge travelers to plan ahead and check before they set off, as well as make sure their vehicles are winter-ready.
“Planning ahead has never been more important. Here, our winter treatment plans are already underway on the main road network, the salt barns are well stocked and a record 240 grits are ready for deployment from over 40 depots across Scotland.
“We expect the transport network to be busier in the run-up to the Christmas weekend as people look to spend time with friends and family, so it’s important passengers continue to play their part.”
Traffic Scotland has lots of advice on their website for traveling in severe weather, visit their ‘Are you ready for winter’ webpage.
You can check the latest forecast on our website, by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and on our mobile app, which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store. Follow the current weather warnings on the weather warnings page.
Add Comment