The Met Office has issued a snow and ice warning for five regions. The yellow weather alert covers parts of central and north-west Scotland, starting at midnight and lasting until 9 a.m. on Friday.
According to the Met Office, roads and railways may be affected, leading to longer travel times for road, bus, and train services. Icy patches are expected on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths, increasing the risk of slips and falls on icy surfaces.
Blustery wintry showers are forecasted to fall over the affected areas of Scotland on Thursday afternoon and evening. The showers are expected to intensify during the second half of the night, with 2 to 5cm of snow anticipated across the region and up to 10cm in areas above approximately 350 meters.
Individuals are advised to plan their routes carefully, check for road closures or transport delays, and pack essentials for potential delays, including warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, an ice scraper or de-icer, a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, and an in-car phone charger.
Additionally, the Met Office has issued two yellow wind warnings for today. One warning covers Northern Ireland until noon, with southwesterly winds expected to reach gusts of up to 50mph, possibly up to 60mph in some areas, accompanied by heavy rain. The winds are projected to ease by late morning.
The second wind warning, in effect until 8 p.m., includes parts of northern England, the Midlands, Scotland, and Wales. Gusts of 50 to 55mph are anticipated across many areas, with coastal regions potentially experiencing gusts of up to 70mph. Winds are expected to diminish from the north throughout the day.
For Friday’s weather, the Met Office predicts a cold and windy day with a mix of sunshine and blustery showers. Showers may intensify, leading to prolonged rain and snow in some areas, particularly over hills.
Looking ahead to the next three to five days, the Met Office forecasts frosty conditions on Saturday morning, followed by sunshine and scattered showers, some possibly wintry. Winds are expected to be lighter. Sunday may bring rain and showers, with the possibility of hill snow. More rain is forecasted to arrive in the west on Monday, with stronger winds returning.