Snow blankets the nation amidst bone-chilling temperatures as forecasters warn of record-breaking cold

As a bone-chilling Arctic air mass engulfs the United Kingdom, forecasters are sounding the alarm that tonight could mark the coldest January night in 14 years. The nation has endured a week of severe weather warnings, with snow covering vast stretches of the country and temperatures plummeting below freezing. Sky News’s Joanna Robinson warns that parts of Scotland may experience temperatures as low as -15°C, a chilling record not witnessed since January 2010.

Tulloch Bridge, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, bore witness to the frigid conditions last night, with temperatures plummeting to -10°C. The Met Office attributes this Arctic onslaught to a northerly air flow, causing snow showers and persistently cold conditions throughout the week. A shifting Jet Stream has paved the way for the Arctic air to settle over the UK, intensifying the cold snap.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, emphasizes the potential disruptions caused by the wintry conditions. He states, “There will be widespread frost this week, and we could see some fairly deep laying snow in parts of the northern UK. Strong winds could result in drifting or blizzard conditions at times.” Daytime temperatures are expected to hover in the low single figures, with overnight temperatures plummeting to -3 or -4 in many towns and cities, and even colder in rural areas.

As the week progresses, a low-pressure system moving across northern France may bring additional snowfall to the southern parts of the UK. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Nick Silkstone, acknowledges uncertainties in the system’s track but suggests the potential for minimal snowfall, primarily in the extreme south of England.

With yellow weather warnings in place, residents are urged to stay updated on the evolving forecast and prepare for challenging conditions on the roads and sidewalks. As the country grapples with this extreme winter blast, the UK remains on high alert for the coldest night in over a decade.