Brutal cold blast to batter Britain with snow warnings as temperatures plunge to -12C
Travel chaos is expected to continue today as a cold snap seizes Britain threatening mayhem on the roads.
UK weather: Snow showers forecast by Met Office
Snow, sleet, rain and ice are set to besiege Britain today before temperatures plunge to -12C. Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office for the majority of the nation through to Wednesday morning, with forecasters predicting delays in road, rail, air, and ferry transportation, as well as tree damage.
Lows of -11C are anticipated in the protected glens of Scotland today, plunging to -12C by Wednesday morning as wintry weather sweeps through the country overnight.
Early in the week, the brunt of the cold will be avoided in some areas of southern England, but by Wednesday, temperatures will plunge across the country.
The chilly air predicted in Scotland today, according to Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge, will spread throughout the entire UK by tomorrow afternoon.
Mr Partridge said: "Wednesday overnight will be very cold for pretty much the whole of the UK, so if you've got plants that have gone out early, get them in tomorrow because the frost is going to be widespread in the morning."
He also forecasts that the week will be "unsettled," with rainy and windy conditions and cooler temperatures starting on Thursday.
He continued: "There's some cloud and rain on Wednesday onwards pushing back in from the west, so milder air comes in - there will be some snow on the front of that rain but it won't last very long.
"Thursday's main concern is how much rainfall there will be."
Residents of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and northwestern Wales, where a yellow warning for snow and ice is expected to last until Tuesday morning, have been warned of possible wintry showers and icy patches developing on roads.
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The Met Office said: "Cold air spreading southwards across the UK, following a band of rain, sleet and snow, will bring frequent snow showers to northern, western, and eastern Scotland, as well as parts of Northern Ireland.
"Overnight, these will accumulate on some roads and pavements, with anywhere between a light dusting and several centimetres of snow possible.
"Between the showers, partially melted snow is likely to freeze on untreated surfaces leading to icy stretches.
"Wintry showers will continue through Tuesday, although by mid-morning the temperature on most roads will likely have risen sufficiently to reduce the risk of further accumulating snow or ice."
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Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has called on the "most vulnerable" to check in on their well-being during the cold spell.
He warned cold weather can have a "serious impact" on health - especially older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
He said: "If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18C if you can."
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