Arctic air has swept across the UK, plunging temperatures and triggering amber cold weather alerts ahead of a snowy weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice, covering much of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland, with the cold snap expected to persist into Monday.

Warnings for ice are already in place for Thursday and Friday, following heavy rain and strong winds earlier in the week that caused widespread flooding in north-west England. Cleanup operations are ongoing, with flood warnings still active after hundreds were evacuated from their homes.

This cold spell ends a stretch of unseasonably warm festive weather, where temperatures peaked at 11-13°C on Christmas Day. Now, temperatures are predicted to fall 5°C below the January average, with wind chill amplifying the cold.

Amber cold weather alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), apply across England, advising healthcare providers to monitor vulnerable individuals. These alerts aim to reduce risks for the elderly and those with health conditions by promoting community checks and support.

Snow and ice warnings for the coming days include:
• Thursday to Friday: Yellow warnings for ice in north-west England, western Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
• Saturday: A snow and ice warning from noon to midnight across most of England (except the south-west) and much of Wales. Scotland faces a separate snow warning through Monday morning.
• Weekend outlook: Saturday will likely be the coldest day, with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 2°C.

As milder Atlantic air collides with Arctic conditions, snowfall is expected to briefly reach southern England before turning to rain. Up to 5cm of snow is predicted at lower elevations in Wales, the Midlands, and northern England, while higher ground could see accumulations of 20-30cm, with drifting snow reaching depths of 40cm in some areas.

The Met Office warns of travel disruptions, power outages, and isolated rural communities. Heavy snow will shift to Scotland by Sunday, with additional accumulations of 20cm expected in higher regions.

Age UK’s Caroline Abrahams highlighted the strain on vulnerable populations, urging older adults to prioritize staying warm despite energy costs. She called for greater support from energy companies and local councils. This comes as the government defends its decision to limit winter fuel payments, aiming to save £1.5 billion annually.

The current cold wave contrasts sharply with recent climate trends. December 2024 was the UK’s fifth warmest on record, and the year ranked as the fourth hottest overall. According to Met Office data, rising temperatures are accompanied by wetter winters, with 2023-2024 setting a record for rainfall and named storms in England and Wales.

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the challenges of forecasting and responding to such conditions remain critical for forecasters and policymakers alike.