Snow LIVE: UK weather updates as Met Office extends warnings for snow and ice

More snow expected on Thursday

A number of weather warnings have been issued for snow and ice, with the highest accumulations of snow likely over high ground in Scotland, but still providing some disruption at lower levels at times.

Snow is also likely in parts of the southwest through Thursday, the Met Office said.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: "A northerly airflow will continue to feed snow showers into Scotland over the next few days, with this reaching lower levels at times and bringing the potential for some travel disruption.

"Overnight temperatures will drop below zero fairly widely over the next few days, which has resulted in some ice warnings, with further warnings likely through this week.

"On Thursday, a mixture of snow, sleet and rain is likely to affect the southwest which could potentially bring disruption.

"It's likely high ground in the area will see snow, with a mixture of conditions likely at lower levels. 2-5cm of snow is possible in places at lower levels, with around 10cm possible over higher parts of Dartmoor."

Rise in vehicle breakdowns due to cold weather

A sharp rise in vehicle breakdowns has also been reported as drivers' batteries failed on Wednesday morning due to cold weather, the RAC said.

The AA has predicted "a major increase in (its) workload" due to sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice, and it urged drivers to check forecasts before travelling and to do so with "extreme caution" in the hardest-hit areas.

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis called on motorists to properly de-ice vehicles and ensure the entire windscreen is clear, rather than rushing out of the house "with a tiny little space" to see the road.

Mr Dennis added: "We've seen, as you would probably expect, a really sharp rise in breakdowns - predominantly from a lot of people's batteries failing in the cold, which is inevitable."

"Adopt a cautious driving style" in areas with risk of black ice and "be gentle on the accelerator, never be tempted to step on the brake" as it could cause issues on slippery roads, he said.

Mercury hits -7.5C

The lowest temperature recorded on Tuesday night was minus 7.5C in Warcop, Cumbria, and the average low for the whole nation is 4C at this time of year.

Altnaharra, Sutherland, saw 14cm of snow, 8cm was recorded at Loch Glascarnoch in the Scottish Highlands, and 6cm in Thorncliffe, Staffordshire.

'Prolonged and heavy rainfall' at weekend

Met Office spokesperson Andrea Bishop said: "A deep area of low pressure is expected to bring a spell of prolonged and, at times, heavy rainfall across a large part of the UK this weekend.

"Across south-west England, rain is expected to develop during Saturday morning with heavier rain likely later in the day and overnight into early Sunday morning.

"Fifty to 75mm of rain is expected to fall fairly widely during this time with a chance that some places over Dartmoor could see 100-125mm. Strong southerly winds will accompany the heavy rain and may locally exacerbate impacts."

Afternoon outlook

The Met Office has shared the latest weather forecast for this afternoon.

Meteorologists said many areas will experience sunny spells, while Scotland and coastal regions continue to be affected by wintry showers.

A cold but bright afternoon with plenty of sunny spells for most

Wintry showers continue to affect the north of Scotland and some coastal regions pic.twitter.com/RfrgMgVOsf

— Met Office (@metoffice) November 20, 2024

UK given strong chance of White Christmas

Several UK cities have been given a very strong chance of experiencing a White Christmas this year as temperatures continue to drop across the nation, according to BetVictor.

Against the backdrop of a sharp cold snap after a relatively mild start to November, Aberdeen (5/4) Glasgow (6/4) and Edinburgh (13/8) now trade at short odds to experience snowfall on Christmas Day next month.

Newcastle leads the way for English cities at 2/1, with Leeds (4/1) and Manchester (5/1) also given firm chances. A White Christmas seems less likely in the south however, with Gatwick Airport priced at an ambitious 10/1.

Sam Boswell, spokesperson for BetVictor, said:"The UK public will certainly be turning to their thick winter coats after temperatures plummeted across the country this week, forcing us to revise our White Christmas market for next month.

"Several Scottish cities now trade near the even-money mark for snowfall on Christmas Day, notably Aberdeen (5/4) and Glasgow (6/4).

"A White Christmas is naturally less likely further south, with the betting suggesting residents around London will probably miss out, whilst more Northern cities Newcastle and Leeds seem far more likely to see festive snowfall, they are priced at 2/1 and 4/1 respectively."

Full list of regions and local authorities affected by rain and snow warning

Central, Tayside & Fife

• Angus
• Clackmannanshire
• Falkirk
• Fife
• Perth and Kinross
• Stirling

East Midlands

• Derby
• Derbyshire
• Nottingham
• Nottinghamshire

Grampian

• Aberdeenshire
• Moray

Highlands & Eilean Siar

• Highland

North East England

• Darlington
• Durham
• Gateshead
• Hartlepool
• Middlesbrough
• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Northumberland
• Redcar and Cleveland
• Stockton-on-Tees
• Sunderland

North West England

• Blackburn with Darwen
• Cheshire East
• Cumbria
• Greater Manchester
• Lancashire

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

• Dumfries and Galloway
• East Lothian
• Edinburgh
• Midlothian Council
• Scottish Borders
• West Lothian

Strathclyde

• Argyll and Bute
• East Ayrshire
• East Dunbartonshire
• East Renfrewshire
• Glasgow
• Inverclyde
• North Ayrshire
• North Lanarkshire
• Renfrewshire
• South Ayrshire
• South Lanarkshire
• West Dunbartonshire

West Midlands

• Staffordshire
• Stoke-on-Trent

Yorkshire & Humber

• East Riding of Yorkshire
• North Yorkshire
• South Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire
• York

Rain and snow warning explained

The Met Office shared details of the rain and snow warning it issued for Saturday and Sunday, saying: "Outbreaks of rain will spread northeastwards on Saturday, preceded by a spell of snow across parts of northern England and Scotland.

"Whilst snow will become increasingly confined to higher elevations with time, there is the chance of a transient period of snow to low levels in some areas, with perhaps as much as 5-10 cm accumulating in places, especially the Vale of York, before turning back to rain. Temporary snow accumulations of 10-20 cm are possible on ground above 150m, with perhaps as much as 20-40 cm above 300m.

"In conjunction with strengthening winds, difficult driving conditions are likely, especially over higher level routes, with possibly some interruptions to power supplies.

"In addition, the rapid thaw of lying snow as milder air arrives, with perhaps an additional 20-40 mm of rain in some upland areas during Saturday night, will lead to a greater likelihood of rainfall impacts later in the period."

What should I expect?

The Met Office said:

• There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
• There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off
• There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services
• Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
• There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life
• There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel

More rain and snow expected at the weekend

The Met Office has issued another weather warning for this weekend, with forecasters saying that up to 40cm of snow is possible in some areas.

The yellow warning for rain and snow is in force from 4am on Saturday until 9am on Sunday.

It says heavy snow will hit parts of the country on Saturday. Then, a rapid thaw and rain on Saturday night may cause some disruption, forecasters added.

New warnings issued for the weekend

Two yellow warnings for rain have been issued from 6am on Saturday until 6am on Sunday. The warnings cover Wales, western and southwestern England.

The Met Office said: "A deep area of low pressure is expected to bring a spell of prolonged and, at times, heavy rainfall across a large part of the UK this weekend.

"Across Wales and western England, rain and hill snow is expected to develop during the early hours of Saturday morning before falling as rain to all levels by late morning and continuing through to early Sunday morning. 50-75 mm of rain is expected to fall fairly widely with 100-125 mm of rain over higher ground, particularly in south Wales.

"There is a chance that prolonged heavy rain could become slow-moving over south Wales with up to 150 mm possible in a few places and it is here where impacts are most likely. Strong southerly winds will accompany the heavy rain and may locally exacerbate impacts."

Beginning of December set to be cold

The Met Office's long-range forecast, from December 4 to December 18, predicts more cold conditions in the lead-up to Christmas.

While the start of December may be largely settled, some areas will experience lots of rain and high winds, with a "risk of some snow".

The forecast reads: "The start of this period looks like being largely settled, with high pressure close to if not over the UK. However. there is also a chance of more changeable weather patterns, which would see Atlantic weather systems periodically move across the country.

"These will bring some wetter and windier interludes with a risk of some snow, especially for hills in the north. These conditions look more likely to dominate towards the middle of December. Temperatures generally close to average through the period."

More on the story here.

Weather warnings extended until tomorrow

The Met Office has extended some of its weather warnings until tomorrow, as freezing conditions are set to continue.

The following warnings are in force until Thursday morning:

• A yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering many northern and western areas of Scotland
• A yellow weather warning for ice covering parts of Scotland, the East Midlands, northern England and some areas of Wales
• A yellow weather warning for ice covering some coastal areas in eastern England

National Express coach slips on icy road

In Nottingham, a National Express coach was seen slipping backwards down a busy road before a large crowd got behind it and managed to bring it to a halt before any damage was caused.

The National Express coach going on the 450 route is believed to have been heading from London to Mansfield when it got into difficulty in the wintry conditions. So far there have not been any reports of injuries.

Click here to read more.

In pictures: Wintery sunrise

This photo shows the sun rising over a frozen landscape in Kirklington, Nottinghamshire.

Temperatures plummeted to -5C overnight, forecasters said.

Which schools are closed today?

Some schools across the UK will be closed again today as cold weather conditions continue.

The following schools have announced closures:

• Orion Academy, Oxford
• Alford Academy, Aberdeenshire
• Alford Primary School, Aberdeenshire
• Auchterless School, Aberdeenshire
• Crudie School, Aberdeenshire
• Drumblade School, Aberdeenshire
• Gordon Schools, Aberdeenshire
• Kennethmont School, Aberdeenshire
• Rhynie School, Aberdeenshire
• Towie School, Aberdeenshire
• Turriff Academy, Aberdeenshire
• Beacon hill Academy, Dudley
• Dormston school, Dudley
• Jessons Primary, Dudley
• Bishop Milner, Dudley
• Alder Coppice Primary School, Dudley
• Old Park School, Dudley
• Halesowen C of E Primary School, Dudley
• Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School, Madeley
• St Patricks Catholic Primary School, Madeley
• St Peters C of E Primary School, Madeley
• Limerick Educate Together Secondary School, Limerick
• Haughton School, Telford
• Dawley C of E School, Telford
• Donnington Wood Junior School, Telford
• William Reynolds Primary, Telford
• The Bridge School, Telford
• Grange Park, Telford
• Southall School, Telford
• Brynteg CP, Wrexham
• Minera Church in Wales, Wrexham
• St Mary’s School Church in Wales, Wrexham
• The Maelor School, Wrexham
• Ysgol Bro Alun, Wrexham
• Ysgol Bryn Tabor, Wrexham
• Ysgol I.D Hooson, Wrexham
• Ysgol Penrhyn, Wrexham
• Ysgol Y Grango, Wrexham
• Ysgol Rhos Helyg, Flintshire
• Nannerch V.C Primary School, Flintshire
• Ysgol Terrig, Flintshire
• Brynhafren C.P School, Powys
• Brynllywarch Hall School, Powys
• Buttington/Trewen C.P. School, Powys
• Caersws C.P. School, Powys
• Chadsgrove School, Bromsgrove
• Church Stretton Academy, Church Stretton
• Crowmoor Primary School, Shrewsbury
• Forden C. in W. School, Powys
• Leighton C. P. School, Powys
• Llanysilio C. in W. School , Powys
• Llanidloes C.P. School, Powys
• Llanidloes High School, Powys
• Maesyrhandir C.P. School, Powys
• Newtown High School – John Beddoes Campus
• Newtown High School – Newtown Campus
• PRU – North, Powys
• Shrewsbury Academy (Corndon Crescent Site)
• Shrewsbury Academy (Worcester Road Site)
• Shrewsbury Cathedral Catholic School
• Trefonen CE Primary School, Oswestry
• Welshpool CinW Primary School, Powys
• Welshpool High School, Powys
• Ysgol Bro Caereinion – Primary Campus
• Ysgol Bro Caereinion – Secondary Campus
• Ysgol Dyffryn Trannon, Powys
• Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng, Powys
• Ysgol Rhiw Bechan, Powys

Parents are encouraged to check online to see if their child's school will be open regularly.

Brits wake up to widespread frost

The Met Office said many parts of the country have woken up to widespread frost today.

Northern Scotland and coastal regions will continue to be hit by wintry showers this morning, forecasters explained.

However, the Met Office added that inland areas will experience "plenty of sunshine" on Wednesday.

It's a cold start to Wednesday morning with widespread frost across the country

Wintry showers continue to affect northern Scotland and coastal regions through the morning, but expect plenty of sunshine further inland

Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/7oQmffo92l

— Met Office (@metoffice) November 20, 2024

Morning snow

New pictures of snow-covered landscapes have started to emerge - including one taken in the village of Goathland, North Yorkshire.

Met Office issues long-range forecast

The Met Office's long-range weather forecast from Sunday, November 24 to Tuesday, December 3 says we will continue to experience cold conditions due to strong winds, rain and showers.

Meteorologists have warned of the risk of overnight frosts and fog in some areas.

The forecast reads: "An unsettled start, with a spell of very strong winds and some rain or showers for all parts. It will be mild for most parts, especially towards the southeast, although the strong winds will make it feel rather cold.

"The start of next week looks like turning colder for all parts, with a return of wintry showers for a time, especially in the north. Conditions then look like settling down as high pressure builds across the country.

"Although the high may drift off to the east later next week, mainly dry and settled conditions seem likely to persist, especially towards the south and east where fog may become an issue.

"Temperatures trending back towards average, but overnight frosts are likely and rather cold days where fog persists."

Health expert warns winter cold snap could risk lives

Brits are at heightened risk of Covid, norovirus and even depression ahead of the festive season due to a rise in vitamin D deficiency, warned Dr Hilary Jones.

As the harsh cold snap hits during what the British Medical Association has labelled the "worst winter on record for health services," Dr Hilary, working with Newfoundland, has shared his top tips to stay healthy throughout the colder months and help alleviate pressure on the NHS.

"Vitamin D plays a crucial role in your health - both physically and mentally. The colder months see a huge rise in Vitamin D deficiencies, which leads to higher illness rates alongside depression due to the lack of sunlight," Dr Hilary said.

The doctor's top tips include:

• Self-testing
• Eat a vitamin D-rich diet
• Boost your diet with supplements

Forecast for today

The Met Office's weather forecast for today says: "After a frosty and in places icy start, many areas will be dry and sunny, though feeling cold.

"Wintry showers will continue to feed into areas exposed to the northerly wind, often heavy and blustery in the north and east."

For tonight, it adds: "Another cold night to come with sleet and snow showers continuing in exposed areas. A widespread frost forming under clear spells, although cloudier in the far southwest later."

Yellow weather warnings still in force

The yellow weather warnings that were issued by the Met Office either on Monday or Tuesday are continuing until today.

Some of the warnings will end at 10am and others at 12pm. Currently, it's not clear whether any of the warnings will be extended.

Yellow weather warning issued

Snow and ice across parts of eastern and northeastern England, and southeast Scotland
Tuesday 1800 - Wednesday 1200

Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs

Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/lbnLdVmdEw

— Met Office (@metoffice) November 19, 2024

Snowing heavily in Birmingham

One video posted on Facebook shows heavy flurries fall as far south as Birmingham this morning.

It is believed the clip was taken a short time ago near the Bull Ring shopping centre, which is in the city centre.

Operations at the city's airport, only around eight mile east, do not appear to be affected by the weather.

Winter wonderland in South Yorkshire

Parts of South Yorkshire have seen fresh now this morning.

One man shared this glorious picture taken outside his home near Barnsley. It shows a crisp and evening covering of the white stuff.

West Mercia Police warns drrivers to ensure their windscreens are completely clear before setting off

West Mercia Police has reminded drivers to take the time to make sure their windscreens are completely clear before setting off.

The force says: "Clear any ice or snow, fully demist the inside of your windscreen and ensure any snow is removed from your roof.. Don’t forget to clear your lights, wing mirrors and side/back windows."

National Rail explains how snow and ice can affect the railways

Snow and ice can affect the railways as follows:

• Snow built up on the tracks can block points (the equipment that allows trains to move between tracks

• Ice can coat the overhead power cables, preventing trains from drawing the power they need to run and leaving them stranded

• Icicles on tunnels, bridges and other structures can also damage trains and overhead power cables

• Where snow lies deeper than 30cm, trains can’t run safely unless they have been fitted with snow ploughs

National Express coach's near miss in Nottingham

In Nottingham last night, a National Express coach went sliding backwards down a busy main road before being rescued by locals passing by on foot.

Incredible footage captured by a passerby shows the group of people running to the back of the bus to help push and prevent it from sliding completely off the road.

The bus, the National Express 450 route, had reportedly been travelling from London to Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, at the time of the incident.

Rail disruption at Northampton

Routes between London Euston and Northampton / Rugby / Coventry / Birmingham New Street and also between Northampton and Birmingham New Street / Crewe are affected by a points failure at Northampton this morning.

Services may be cancelled, or delayed by up to 30 minutes. Disruption is expected until 06.45. It is unclear if the weather played a part in this issue.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)'s first amber cold weather health alert

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season, warning conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.

The amber warning covers the east and north of England, the Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, with yellow alerts coming into place for the South East, South West and London until 6pm on Saturday.

Andd the Alzheimer's Society warned that cold weather can be "particularly challenging" for people with dementia.

"Colder temperatures can be difficult for a person with dementia to adjust to, and they may not always be able to communicate that they are cold - or they may not even recognise it themselves," the charity said.

Another charity, Asthma + Lung UK, urged those with lung conditions to be "extra careful". The charity warned cold weather can trigger potentially life-threatening asthma attacks or "flare-ups" for people with other lung conditions.

Police in Northern Ireland tell motorists to 'drive with extra caution'

A yellow warning for snow and ice has also been issued for Northern Ireland from 6pm on Tuesday to 10am on Wednesday, with a separate warning also in place across most of Wales and parts of the West Midlands until 10am on Wednesday.

Police in Northern Ireland urged those on the roads to "drive with extra caution while we experience the freezing temperatures as forecast".

Heavy snow on the glenshane pass at present. @angie_weather @barrabest @bbcniweather @WeatherCee @Louise_utv @WeatherAisling pic.twitter.com/2BBEWndgGw

— Colleen Webb (@ColleenWebb0) November 19, 2024