Up to 20cm of snow is expected in parts of the UK as temperatures plummet, with travel disruptions likely
The first snowfall of the season has arrived in Greater Manchester, as the Met Office issues multiple weather warnings for snow and ice across large parts of the UK. An amber cold weather alert has been put in place as temperatures are set to drop sharply, bringing severe conditions in the coming days.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings of snow and ice for several regions, including Northern Ireland, Scotland, and parts of the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester. The first warning came into effect at 3pm on Monday, lasting until 10am on Tuesday, with up to 20cm of snow expected to accumulate in some areas.
A second yellow warning began at 4pm on Monday and is valid until 10am on Wednesday, covering areas in Scotland, while a third warning took effect at 7pm for the North of England, including the entirety of Greater Manchester. These warnings are accompanied by concerns over icy conditions and disruptions to travel, as heavy snowfall continues throughout the evening.
In Greater Manchester, snow has already begun to fall, with areas like Bury experiencing a wintry evening. Local authorities are urging residents to take extra precautions, especially on the roads. Transport bosses have also called for people to plan ahead in anticipation of snow-related disruptions.
The cold front sweeping across the UK is expected to bring a significant drop in temperatures over the next few days, with Arctic maritime air causing widespread frost overnight. Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey has warned that the country will experience several days of colder-than-usual conditions, particularly in the north. The chilly weather is set to persist, with further snowfall expected later in the week.
Authorities are advising people to stay informed about the weather and take steps to stay safe, especially as the conditions could lead to difficult driving conditions and delays in transport networks.
