Manchester Airport temporarily shuts down both runaways due to ‘heavy snowfall

Flights at Manchester airport were severely affected due to the shutdown of both runways amid heavy snowfall. The authorities are clearing the snow and slush on an emergency basis.

Inbound flights to the city are being diverted to nearby Birmingham, East Midlands and even London airports. Meanwhile, the city is under a yellow snow warning till Sunday noon. Passengers have been requested to contact their airlines for information on restarting flights.

Low temperatures to continue

According to the chief meteorologist Steve Willington, the cold spell will continue with daytime temperatures remaining just above freezing in several places in Scotland over the next few days. After that, however, the nights will be harder, with the Celsius dropping to minus 10 ⁰C or even lower in certain isolated places.


A 24 -hour's snow warning beginning from 9 am on Sunday until Monday at 9 am for London and parts of south-eastern England is already in place.



Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its level three cold alert for the entire UK from Monday to Friday, December 16. As a result, motorists have been advised to be extra cautious while driving, and people using public transport should check for possible disruptions.

FAQs:

1. Are low temperatures and heavy snow unusual at this time of the year?
   While climate change has affected most countries globally, sub-freezing temperatures and snow are not uncommon in the UK in early December.
2. What is a Yellow warning for snow?
   Yellow warning indicates low-impact situations with some dislocation to travel and movement. Areas can be under 5 to 15 cm of snow with a short span.