UK hit by cold snap with frost and snow warnings issued

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 15 Nov, 08:01 · Archive

The UK is experiencing its coldest weather of the season so far, with temperatures dropping below minus 6C in parts and yellow health alerts issued.

The UK woke to sharp frosts over the weekend as temperatures plummeted across the country. An overnight temperature of minus 6.6C was recorded in Sennybridge near Brecon in south Wales, while Shap, a village near Penrith in Cumbria, recorded a low of minus 6.5C. London experienced temperatures as low as minus 2C overnight, feeling as cold as minus 5C in the early hours.

The Met Office has warned of changeable conditions with spells of rain, sleet and some hill snow developing. Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said precipitation will be most persistent across northern Scotland, where there is an increasing chance of snow developing later in the day. 'This will mainly fall over high ground, where accumulations are likely, but some snow could fall to lower levels too. Ice may also become a hazard.' Daytime temperatures for most locations are expected to stay in single figures.

The UK Health Security Agency issued its first yellow cold health alert of the season for the North West and West Midlands, coming into effect on Thursday and lasting until Saturday. A second alert was later issued for the North West, North East and Yorkshire from Sunday until Thursday. Paul Coleman, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, warned that cold weather can have serious health impacts on people aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, urging people to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.

How it is being reported

• Met Office issues 16-hour ice warning for 23 areas as temperatures plunge - full listA weather warning for ice has been issued by the Met Office as the UK is hit by an Arctic blast with the cold snap expected to last several daysThe Mirror · 15 Nov, 10:48
• Weather mapped: Snow set to hit these areas as temperatures plunge to -4CSome people in the UK should brace for wintry showersThe Independent · 15 Nov, 10:08
• Temperatures plunge to -6C in UK as new cold weather alert issuedSpells of rain, sleet and hill snow are possible in parts of the UK across the weekend, the Met Office saidThe Independent · 14 Nov, 13:32
• London weather: Temperature plunges below zero as Met Office issues UK snow alertForecaster says there are indications a ‘blocked weather pattern’ will develop within weeksEvening Standard · 14 Nov, 07:55
• Is it going to snow in London? Met Office hints winter storms could be heading to capitalForecaster says there are indications a ‘blocked weather pattern’ will develop in early DecemberEvening Standard · 13 Nov, 16:17

In this story: Met Office · UK Health Security Agency · London · Scotland · North West · West Midlands

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