The mercury plunged to -5.5C in Drumnadrochit, Scottish Highlands on Tuesday and temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for many for the rest of the week
More snow is expected across parts of southern England by noon today, the Met Office says.
A yellow weather warning for snow remains in place until 11.59pm and covers most of Southwest England, Southeast England and some parts of Greater London. Further warnings for ice, and snow and ice across other regions end at midday as temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for many again today.
Up to 10cm (nearly four inches) of snow could fall on higher ground, particularly across Dartmoor and hills across Wiltshire and Somerset, but accumulations of 2-5cm are more likely elsewhere. It could lead to power cuts and rural communities being cut off, the Met Office says.
In a forecast video on YouTube, meteorologist Aidan McGivern explains: “At midday we’ve got outbreaks of rain pushing into the south, but as those outbreaks of rain mix with the cold air, we’ve got these whites appearing, suggestive of a mix of rain, sleet and snow.
“When you read the text of the snow warning in the south of England, it mentions widely 2 to 5cm and a risk of 10cm in places but it’s worth reading as well about the likelihood. Now, the warning talks about a low likelihood of significant impacts from those depths of snow.”
The weather system could prove to be disruptive, particularly inland as there might be travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers likely. Rail and air travel could face delays or cancellations, which was the case last week following widespread snow. Bristol Airport, for instance, had to suspend operations for several hours on Saturday night.
Temperatures plummeted to -5.5C in Drumnadrochit, Scottish Highlands and -5.3C in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, on Tuesday, data recorded by the Met Office shows. Ice will remain a hazard today, especially across Northwest England, including Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
A weather warning for ice there states icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths will present hazards. The Met Office warns drivers across Northwest England to take extra care on the roads during morning rush hour.
