UK weather latest: Snow hits as South East in for ‘biggest shock’ from cold; new yellow warning in force
Key points
- South East in for ‘biggest shock’ as temperatures plummetYellow weather warning for ice in force for millionsCold health alerts to last until FridayMore than 300 flood warnings and alerts in place
‘Time for the government to wake up and smell the flood water’Check the forecast in your local areaLive reporting by Ollie Cooper and (earlier) Jess Sharp
13:14:43 Are you affected by the snow and cold?
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15:00:01 Yellow weather warning comes into force
A yellow weather warning for ice has come into force across several parts of the country.
Issued by the Met Office, it covers the East of England, London, the South East, South West, Wales and parts of the West Midlands.
The weather agency warns ice and “small amounts” of snow could lead to slippery surfaces in a few places.
“Parts of southern Britain are likely to see some snow showers during Monday afternoon and the first part of the night,” it said.
“Most places will see little or no lying snow, but 1-2 cm may settle in one or two places, mostly over high ground.
The warning will be in place until 3am tomorrow.
14:56:10 In pictures: Fields flooded in Gloucester
Today’s wintry showers come as parts of the country grapple with the effects of Storm Henk and torrential rain last week.
In Gloucester, residents are struggling to cope with flooding, as fields sit saturated in water and roads remain closed.
14:29:57 Lord Coldemort, Salt Disney and Snow Bother helping to keep roads clear
If you are driving around Scotland today, you may have come across Lord Coldemort, or maybe Salt Disney.
They are two of the many gritters out and about, helping to keep roads clear.
BEAR Scotland has been giving its fleet of gritters a range of funny names since about 2017.
The idea proved to be such a hit, a website, run by Traffic Scotland, was set up to track the vehicles across the country.
You can take a look at some of the others below…
14:21:19 In pictures: A little more than a dusting…
More readers have been getting in touch with their weather photos.
One sent us these pictures from his train journey in Kent – luckily he faced no disruption.
14:14:44 Recap: What’s an amber health alert?
As we’ve already told you today, an amber alert has been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency for the North West of England, West Midlands, East Midlands and South West of England.
The alert is in place until Friday.
Here’s a reminder of what it means:
An amber alert is issued when cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time.
It also means there is a potential for the whole population to be at risk and other sectors may also start to observe impacts, indicating a coordinated response is required.
13:59:57 The latest weather forecast
By Chris England, weather producer
The next few days look mostly quiet and cold, with a stiff breeze bringing a significant wind chill to the south.
Today, most places will see temperatures in low single figures.
The afternoon will be mainly dry with sunny spells, best in the west, but there will be little sleet and snow showers around.
They will be mostly over southeast England at first, but a few will develop further east, perhaps reaching Wales and the West Country by evening.
Snow showers will mostly clear through southwestern Britain overnight, perhaps bringing a few small accumulations.
Long clear spells will bring a sharp frost to most, but cloudier skies over many eastern coasts will keep temperatures above freezing there.
Northern and central Scotland can expect some freezing fog, while a few icy stretches are possible elsewhere.
Tomorrow will be mainly dry and sunny, with cloud and any lingering showers over southern Britain clearing from the east, but the far south of Ireland may catch the odd wintry shower.
Early fog over Scotland will be reluctant to clear.
It will stay cold, with a keen wind for central and southern parts.
13:48:15 Double-decker bus skids out of control on icy road
By Jenness Mitchell, Scotland news reporter
A double-decker bus has lost control on an icy road and skidded uncontrollably in a full circle down a street in Fife.
The Stagecoach vehicle smashed into parked cars during the incident in Chapel Road, Kirkcaldy this morning.
It is understood the bus was serving a local primary school, but no passengers were on board at the time of the incident.
“One of our vehicles operating on service SM1 was involved in an incident on Chapel Road in Kirkcaldy this morning in icy conditions,” a spokesperson for Stagecoach East Scotland said.
“There were no passengers on board at the time, and no injuries as a result.
“Safety is our absolute priority, and we will investigate the full circumstances involved.”
13:42:54 Watch: Snow falls on train tracks
We’ve asked you to share your weather stories, pictures and videos with us this afternoon, and we have just been sent this clip from Carl Kitto.
He told us he took it around 10 minutes ago while on the train in Strood, Kent.
As we’ve been reporting, the county has had a flurry of snow throughout the day.
It is one of several places covered by the yellow weather warning for ice that is due to come into force at 3pm.
13:27:34 Temperatures dip to -8C in one area as Met Office explains reason for sudden weather change
Temperatures have dipped to -8C at Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands today, and temperatures are expected to be much lower than average for much of the week.
Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon said the sudden change in conditions is due to cold air from the north and east replacing wet westerly air.
Clear conditions and some sunny spells are expected, while 1-2cm of snow could fall on some higher ground such as Dartmoor, he added.
He went on: “It is a cold regime, and that theme continues for much of the week
“Temperatures through the week will remain below average for this time of year.
“If you do have to travel in icy conditions plan your route, check for delays and road closures.
“If you are driving … look out for potential hazards and keep your speed down. Using a higher gear may be more appropriate.”
13:19:40 In pictures: Snow settling in Kent
People and their pets are braving the wintry conditions in Lenham, Kent.
A flurry of snow hit the village this afternoon, with more expected as the day goes on.
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