UK weather: 'Deaths from cold likely' as temperatures plunge to -20C and amber alerts extended for extra three days
Nicole Atkins is the manager of Britain's highest pub, the Tanhill Inn, where many people are snowed in
GB News
Deaths as a result of a bitterly-cold snap have been labelled "likely", as temperatures plunge to -20C and amber alerts have been extended for an extra three days.
There are currently four separate snow and ice warnings, with a fifth warning just for ice, active across the UK today.
The newest additions are a yellow snow and ice warning in Wales, an ice warning for much of the south west and south east of England, and a yellow snow and ice warning stretching from Cornwall to Plymouth.
Icy lows of -20C are predicted tonight in parts of rural Scotland by MeteoGroup, the BBC’s weather forecaster. Meanwhile, the Met Office has predicted a somewhat milder, though still freezing -16C.
Up to 23cm of snow is expected to settle tonight in parts of the UK
WXCharts
Regardless, tonight will become the coldest figure recorded so far this winter, overtaking Monday's low of -13.3C at Loch Glascarnoch in the Highlands.
As the bone-chilling temperatures continue, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has decided to extend its cold weather health alert for all of England until Sunday.
The extension of the amber alerts means that deaths from the cold are likely, the agency said.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: “We are extending the duration of our cold health alert, since the Met Office are forecasting that the low temperatures we are seeing will continue further into this week, with snow and icy conditions likely to persist.
SNOW LATEST:
The five yellow alerts that are active on January 9
Met Office
“This weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital that we continue to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
Issuing their latest snow and ice alerts, the Met Office said: “Showers, mostly of rain and sleet at low levels and near coasts, but of snow inland and over higher ground, are expected to affect the area later Wednesday night and on Thursday morning.
“Additionally roads are wet and cold across Cornwall following earlier rain and snow.
"With many surfaces falling below freezing, this will lead to some icy stretches on untreated surfaces, while a few cm of fresh snow could affect some areas, mainly places above about 100m.”
Snow covers Killhope in Durham
PA
Heavy snow in Derry in the early hours of the morning
PA
The Met Office warned that areas covered by the ice alert in the south could become “hazardous” due to “untreated surfaces”.
Manchester Airport temporarily closed its runways due to “significant levels of snow”. It has since reopened both runways but advised passengers that delays are likely.
It recommended that travellers check with their airlines for the latest flight updates and allow plenty of extra time for completing their journeys.
You may like
