Britons should brace themselves for an arctic blast which will bring with it a bone-chilling -10 degrees and a blanket of snow, as “severe” weather warnings have been put in place up and down the country.
The Met Office has issued four weather alerts for the upcoming week, which it says will be significantly below the average temperature expected for this time of year.
Yellow snow and ice weather warnings are active across parts of Scotland, northwest England, parts of Wales and the West Midlands, beginning yesterday and lasting until Thursday.
“We’re looking at a strong northerly wind which is bringing in Arctic airmass which is cold and is bringing in these wintry showers across windward parts,” Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick said.
UK snow warning: Arctic chill blast sends temperatures plunging to -10 as 'severe' alert issued
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Some areas of the country will see snow falling as thick as 10cm, with significant amounts expected to build up on the A66 and M62, which is likely to cause potential delays.
The weather office said that some roads and railways will be impacted by the snow.
Power cuts could also occur, and Britons facing the worst of the frosty conditions should brace themselves for patchy mobile phone coverage.
The Met Office also warned that as the blizzard sweeps over the UK, there is a “slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off”.
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The temperature is far below average for this time of year
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Travellers should also be aware that roads covered in snow could lead to vehicles and passengers becoming stranded.
“We would recommend people stick to the main roads and avoid country lanes where possible," said Eslick.
“These are the places that aren't going to see any gritting or any road clearances for the next couple of days.
“So we recommend people take their time, make sure they have time to do their cars in the mornings, and go steady.”
The Met Office also warned that as the blizzard sweeps over the UK, there is a “slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off”
Met Office
The weather office said that some roads and railways will be impacted by the snow.
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Winter jackets and scarves are a must this week, as the snowfall is expected to last until Wednesday.
Describing the snowy conditions in more detail, Nick Finnis from Netweather said: “Temperatures will reach low single figures at best during the day with widespread hard overnight frosts where skies remain clear.
“There will also be some snow, initially across northern areas early next week, falling from showers across the north of Scotland, along western and eastern coasts through much of the week, some getting inland in places.
“A more organised area of snow, associated with an area of low pressure moving southeast across northern areas, could bring some disruptive snow to parts of central and southern Scotland and the north of England. Also, a band of snow may reach southern England on Wednesday, but low confidence on this.”
