The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings as heavy snow and freezing rain are set to sweep across parts of England and Wales this weekend, potentially causing significant disruption.
Amber warnings for snow and freezing rain will cover most of Wales, the Midlands, and northwestern England, including cities like Liverpool and Manchester, from 6:00 PM on Saturday to noon on Sunday. Additional warnings for snow will extend across northern England, including Leeds, Sheffield, and the Lake District, from 9:00 PM Saturday to midnight Sunday.
BBC Weather forecasts suggest 20-40cm (7.8-15.7 inches) of snow could fall in northern England and southern Scotland between Saturday evening and Monday. Wales and central England are also expected to see substantial snowfalls, with accumulations of 3-7cm in lower areas and up to 30cm on higher ground.
The extreme weather may result in power outages, stranded vehicles, and widespread travel delays, with rural areas at risk of becoming isolated. Rail and air travel disruptions are also anticipated.
The UK Health Security Agency has urged people to check on vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and those with health conditions, as freezing temperatures and Arctic winds persist into next week.
NHS leaders have expressed concern about the rising number of flu patients, with recent data showing 5,000 hospital admissions for flu in England last week, a dramatic increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Friday saw temperatures plummet across the UK, with lows of -7.5°C in Shap, Cumbria, and -6.7°C at Bournemouth Airport in England. In Scotland, Eskdalemuir recorded -6.4°C, while Usk in Wales dropped to -5.1°C. Northern Ireland's Katesbridge saw -5.7°C.
The government has activated cold weather payments for eligible households in areas with sustained freezing temperatures, providing £25 to those in affected postcodes, including Eskdalemuir, Redesdale, and Shap. However, Age UK has criticized the decision to limit winter fuel payments, with the charity reporting increased concerns from older people about heating costs.
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's director, urged energy companies and local councils to assist those struggling with heating bills. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized that winter fuel allowances for the poorest pensioners have been retained.
Police are investigating a crash on the A1 near Grantham, which claimed the life of a seven-month-old boy and may have been caused by icy conditions. Meanwhile, three hillwalkers were rescued from the Cairngorms in Scotland after becoming stranded in snow and high winds.
With milder temperatures expected in southern areas by late Sunday—reaching 13°C in London compared to just 2°C in Aberdeen—officials are urging everyone to prepare for a challenging weekend and to look out for those most at risk during the severe weather.