UK snow: Exact time Met Office yellow alert to strike today as cold air sweeps from north
GB News
Temperatures could potentially drop to as low as -10C in northern areas
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across large parts of the UK, with forecasters warning of "disruptive snow" and plummeting temperatures until Tuesday.
A warning covering northern Scotland, including Orkney and Shetland, came into force from 4pm on Sunday until 11am on Monday.
A second warning will cover parts of northern England, the East Midlands, Wales and southern Scotland from 7pm Monday until 10am Tuesday.
Temperatures are expected to drop below zero overnight across much of northern England and Scotland.
Warnings for snow and ice have been issued across the UK
PA/Met Office
Up to 20cm of snow could accumulate in the worst-affected areas, with the Pennines potentially seeing as much as 38cm. Forecasters predict 5-10cm of snow above 200 metres and 15-20cm above 300 metres, while lower levels could see between 2-10cm of settling snow.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said it would be "very cold for the time of year" with temperatures potentially dropping to -8C or even -10C in northern areas.
Southern England will see daytime highs of around 5C this week, significantly below the typical November average of 11C. The Met Office has warned of potential power cuts and disruption to road and public transport services during this cold snap.
Icy patches on untreated roads and pavements could create hazardous conditions for travellers.
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The warnings have been put in place
Met Office
Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: "We have issued yellow warnings for snow and ice as cold weather moves in from the north. This brings snow showers and some ice to parts of Scotland on Sunday night, and then the potential for a spell of snow to lead to disruption to some transport routes across a central swathe of the UK on Tuesday morning."
There is also a "slight chance" that some rural communities could become cut off.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold weather alert covering large areas of England north of Northampton until Thursday.
The alert warns that healthcare services may face additional pressure during this period, particularly affecting those who are vulnerable.
The Met Office advises the public to ensure their vehicles are suitable for icy and snowy conditions and has urged motorists to carry emergency supplies including food, blankets and a fully-charged mobile phone when travelling.
A car driving through a snow flurry in Lenham, Kent
PA
Fresh snow covers fields around Whiston in Staffordshire
PA
Age Scotland's chief executive Katherine Crawford said people should check on older family members and neighbours, offering help with shopping and collecting prescriptions. Despite the cold conditions, the Met Office says the whole of the UK will enjoy more sunshine this week.
Snow showers are expected along coastal areas, particularly in northern Scotland and along east and west coasts. Inland and southern areas will see "sparkly blue skies" on most days from Tuesday to Friday.
The weather is expected to transition to milder conditions through the weekend, particularly on Sunday.
This change could bring heavy rain and strong winds, with a further potential risk of snow as Atlantic weather systems move across the country.