Snow and ice warnings in UK as temperature plummets below -10C

Winter's chill reached its zenith on Tuesday evening, plunging temperatures to a bone-chilling -14C (6.8F), marking the coldest night of the season. The Met Office, forecasting the frigid conditions, labeled it the coldest January night since 2019. The severity of the cold, coupled with substantial snowfall, led to widespread school closures in Scotland on Wednesday. Yellow warnings for ice and snow were issued across all four UK nations.

Weather experts anticipate Wednesday could witness the coldest January night in 14 years, with the possibility of temperatures plummeting even further. By the week's end, north-west Scotland might witness over 40cm of snow on elevated terrain, prolonging the wintry conditions.

The northern parts of the UK are expected to be blanketed with snow, sleet, and rain, although some sunshine is predicted. Widespread frosts and freezing conditions are anticipated, posing hazards to pedestrians and motorists across the entire country.


The Met Office recorded the low of -14C in Dalwhinnie, Scottish Highlands. Although it fell short of the predicted -15C, the forecaster suggested the potential for even lower temperatures in the coming days, making it one of the coldest January nights in the last five years.

Winter's grip has prompted the UK Health Security Agency to issue an amber cold weather alert for England, signifying increased pressure on the NHS and heightened risks for the elderly. Arctic winds have driven temperatures 5C to 6C below the seasonal average.

New warnings have been issued for frequent heavy snow showers in Shetland, Orkney, and parts of northern Scotland, disrupting travel from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday evening. Additionally, yellow weather warnings cover various regions across the UK, indicating the potential for adverse conditions.

With sub-zero temperatures expected to persist until the weekend, widespread disruptions have occurred. School closures are rampant in Scotland, with Orkney, Shetland, Aberdeenshire, and the Highlands particularly affected. In England, adverse weather conditions have led to school closures in Lancashire and Cumbria. As the nation braces for the enduring cold spell, the impact on daily life and travel disruptions remains a prevalent concern.