Arctic Air Triggers Snow and Ice Warnings Across UK for New Year

The UK is preparing for significant winter weather as Arctic air brings snow and ice warnings for the New Year. The Met Office has issued a series of yellow warnings that span across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Weather Warnings Across the UK

From midnight on Friday until 12:00 GMT on January 2, a yellow warning will be in effect for large areas of England and Wales. A separate warning for Northern Ireland will last from midnight until 10:00 AM on Friday.

• Areas Affected:
  • Northern Ireland
  • Wales
  • North-west England
  • The Midlands
  • Southern England
• Forecasted Snowfall:
  • 1-2 cm at low levels
  • Up to 5 cm on higher ground

Impact on New Year Travel

The weather conditions may lead to travel disruptions for New Year celebrations. Snow showers are expected to move into eastern coastal areas of England on Saturday, prompting another yellow warning. Accumulations during this period may include:

• 1-3 cm of snow across many locations
• 5-8 cm possible in places like the North York Moors

Conditions in Scotland

In northern Scotland, frequent snow showers will persist through the weekend. A yellow warning remains in effect for northern and western Scotland, with expected conditions as follows:

• Strong winds leading to blizzards
• Snow drifts of up to 60 cm, especially in the north-west Highlands and Grampians

Cold Temperatures and Frost

Temperatures across the affected regions will hover around 3-5°C. Many areas in Scotland and northern England may encounter “ice-days,” where temperatures do not rise above freezing. Widespread overnight frosts are also anticipated to continue into the following week.

For the latest updates and forecasts, check the El-Balad Weather section regularly, as conditions are subject to change.