UPDATE: The Met Office has just issued a rare ‘thundersnow’ warning as an amber alert is in effect for parts of the UK, signaling potentially life-threatening conditions. This unusual weather event is expected to bring heavy snowfall interspersed with thunder and lightning, creating dangerous conditions across the country.
Forecasters warn that regions from North East England to Yorkshire could experience significant snow showers today, continuing into Thursday. The Met Office indicates that areas above 100 meters elevation may see 15-25 cm of snow, leading to substantial disruption and hazardous travel conditions.
As of this morning, snowfall has already impacted several areas, including London, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, and Northumberland. Reports from the Met Office show 7 cm of snow at Lake Vyrnwy in Powys, Wales, while other locations, such as Lerwick in Shetland, recorded 5 cm of snow.
The amber warning is particularly significant for regions such as Redcar and Cleveland and East Riding of Yorkshire. The Met Office cautions that “frequent wintry showers will feed inland from the North Sea,” potentially causing blizzard conditions with gusty winds.
“As a result, winter hazards are likely through the next few days,”
stated Neil Armstrong, chief forecaster at the Met Office.
Authorities are closely monitoring conditions as multiple yellow warnings for ice and snow are in effect across Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, and much of Scotland. The cold Arctic air gripping the UK has brought the first significant cold snap of autumn, forcing residents to prepare for treacherous weather.
Snow is expected to continue falling, with the potential for 2-5 cm in most areas, while higher ground in Scotland could see accumulations of 15-20 cm. The Met Office emphasizes that conditions are particularly dangerous in areas exposed to brisk northerly winds, impacting travel and daily life.
Following today’s snowfall, brighter and drier conditions are anticipated for central inland areas, but wintry weather will persist along coastal regions. As temperatures plummet, residents are urged to exercise caution when traveling and to stay updated on weather forecasts.
With the possibility of thundersnow and heavy accumulations, officials warn that this rare phenomenon could severely affect infrastructure and public safety. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
