UPDATE: Northern England is bracing for significant snowfall this week, with the Met Office warning of up to 5cm of snow as an Atlantic low-pressure system collides with an Arctic airmass. This weather change is expected to disrupt travel and daily routines across the region, with snow beginning as early as Tuesday.
The Met Office reports that rain will transition to snow over northern England, with 1–5 cm anticipated in the northern parts, while central and eastern Scotland could see 10–15 cm. Two amber snow warnings have been issued in northern Scotland, effective until Tuesday evening, highlighting the potential for severe conditions.
As the weather patterns evolve, forecaster Aidan McGivern shared critical insights via video on the Met Office’s X account. There is a 20% chance that the Atlantic system will take a northern route, potentially bringing disruptive winds and rain to much of England and Wales, with snow affecting northern England, southern Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Conversely, a 30% chance exists for the front to travel through northern France, leading to substantial snowfall in southern England’s higher areas.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has responded with amber cold health alerts, warning that adverse temperatures may impact health and wellbeing until Friday. The ongoing cold snap has already led to the closure of hundreds of schools across the UK on Monday, particularly in the North East, while flights and train services have faced significant disruptions.
Temperatures plummeted to -10.9°C at Shap in Cumbria overnight, with the Met Office recording 52 cm of snow at Tomintoul in Banffshire. Train services in northern Scotland are expected to remain disrupted throughout Tuesday, with ScotRail indicating that the route between Aberdeen and Dundee may only operate in the morning. Meanwhile, CalMac Ferries has announced further disruptions on the west coast of Scotland.
Travelers should remain vigilant. Liverpool John Lennon Airport temporarily closed its runway due to adverse weather conditions on Monday morning, causing delays and cancellations. Fortunately, operations resumed later in the day.
In response to the cold weather, the UK Government is providing £25 cold weather payments to help vulnerable households with heating costs. Payments have already been triggered on several occasions during the current cold spell, covering 451 postcode areas in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The Alzheimer’s Society has issued a reminder for families to check in on loved ones with dementia during this challenging season. Angelo Makri from the organization emphasized the importance of keeping vulnerable individuals warm and safe. “There are currently around one million people in the UK with dementia,” he stated. “Winter can be a worrying time; ensuring their comfort and safety requires regular check-ins and practical support.”
As conditions develop, residents are urged to stay updated on weather warnings and potential disruptions, as the UK faces a challenging winter ahead. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to provide timely updates.
