You should be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly
You should be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly
Weather warnings have been issued for parts of the UK as unsettled conditions creep back in after a day of sunshine for much of the country. In the UK’s forecast for this evening, it said: “A clear and cold evening in the east, but a band of rain, sleet and mainly hill snow will move eastwards across the UK. Clear spells and showers following in the west where it will turn milder. Windy for many.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow, February 15, it said: “A wet start to Sunday, with outbreaks of rain and some snow. Staying unsettled through the day, but turning milder as blustery showers continue to move in from the west.”
Areas affected by the new snow and ice yellow weather alerts are Scotland, East Midlands, North East England, North West England, West Midlands and Yorkshire. The UK weather forecaster said: “Snow, heavy at times, may cause some disruption to travel, especially over high ground during Saturday night and Sunday morning.”
Further details into the alert said: “Outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards on Saturday night will fall as snow initially, even to low levels for a time, before becoming confined to higher ground as milder air arrives from the west. Temporary snow accumulations of 1-3 cm will be possible at low levels, with 3-7 cm possible above about 150 m elevation, and perhaps 10-15cm above 400m.
“Areas sheltered to the north of high ground may see very little snow. Ice will be an additional hazard, particularly across northeast England and parts of Scotland where precipitation has the potential to fall on frozen ground leading to very slippery conditions.”
Snow will turn increasingly to rain into Sunday morning, perhaps as a short spell of freezing rain in places, before eventually clearing to the east with a steady thaw of lying snow then setting in. Anyone in an area covered by a weather warning should expect some roads and railways to be affected and longer journey times.
You can also expect some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths. Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces are a risk. The weather alert is active from 9pm this evening and will be lifted at 10am tomorrow morning, February 15.
A separate snow and ice warning has been issued for parts of Northern Ireland, the alert has been active from 5pm this afternoon and will be lifted at 10pm tomorrow evening.
The Met Office said: “Rain spreading from the west is expected to turn to snow for a time Saturday evening across the west of Northern Ireland. Whilst accumulations at low levels are likely to be limited, 2-4 cm of snow could fall above 200 m, affecting the Glenshane Pass for a time. At low levels some brief icy patches are possible.”
You should be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Met Office Chief Forecaster, Rebekah Hicks, said: “Snow is likely ahead of the rain across northern England and Scotland and could reach lower levels at times Saturday night into Sunday. The snow will gradually turn to rain as the front moves east across the country on Sunday.
“The rain may be heavy at times and it will be windy in coastal areas. Additional warnings may be required. We encourage the public to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any warnings that may be issued.”
Monday will be unsettled with rain or showers and windy, particularly in the north. Tuesday is expected to bring a drier, colder day for many before further rain returns from the southwest later.
Through the second half of the week, the UK will remain unsettled, with spells of rain, strong winds and hill snow at times. Further weather warnings may be needed as conditions continue to evolve.
Ensure our latest news and what’s on headlines always appear at the top of your Google search by making us a preferred source. Click here to activate or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings.
