Parts of the United Kingdom are on alert for potential snowfall in the upcoming hours, as per the latest forecasts from the Met Office. The national weather agency has indicated that certain areas could experience snow as early as this evening. Additionally, there are concerns about travel disruptions due to anticipated high winds and rain impacting various regions, leading to the issuance of two yellow weather warnings.
The Met Office has cautioned about the likelihood of strong winds and heavy rain today, potentially causing transport disturbances. Furthermore, persistent snowfall is expected in parts of the country tonight, with no respite from the prevailing high winds.
Looking ahead to tonight, the Met Office predicts heavy rain moving southeast across England and Wales, with clear spells, wintry showers, and more sustained rain and snow in the north, accompanied by patchy frost and icy conditions, amidst windy weather.
The cold spell is set to persist into Friday, with a mix of sunshine and blustery showers expected in many areas. Showers may intensify, leading to prolonged periods of rain and snow in some regions, particularly over hills, according to the Met Office’s outlook.
The weekend is anticipated to be cold, with a frosty start on Saturday followed by sunshine and scattered wintry showers. Lighter winds are expected, with rain transitioning to showers on Sunday, including the possibility of hill snow, followed by further rain in the west on Monday.
Prior to the weekend, the UK faces strong gusts reaching up to 70mph as powerful winds affect a broad swath of the country today.
The Met Office has issued alerts covering northern Wales, the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland, with warnings coming into effect at different times. The warning for Great Britain commenced at 5am on Thursday, while the Northern Ireland warning started at 6am. The Northern Ireland warning is set to conclude at midday, whereas the other warning remains active until 8pm, with expected transport delays.
Ferry services could be disrupted, flights delayed, and bridges may impose restrictions on high-sided vehicles as the blustery conditions evolve, according to the Met Office.
A significant amount of rain is expected to move southeastwards across Scotland and Northern Ireland in the morning, reaching northern and western regions of England and Wales in the afternoon, as outlined by the forecasters.