UK weather: Schools SHUT for THIRD DAY ahead of ‘rollercoaster’ temperatures and RAIN
DOZENS of schools across the country are closed for a third consecutive day ahead of a "rollercoaster" of temperatures expected this weekend.
Primary and secondary schools cancelled their classes on Monday and Tuesday with many saying they staff were unable to get to work due to the snow and icy conditions.
Temperatures reached as low as minus 13C in Shropshire on Monday night but were 11C warmer on Tuesday evening.
Today 26 schools are closed in Herefordshire, 14 in Shropshire, 10 in Worcestershire and 24 across Wales as Britain continues to recover from recent freezing conditions.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell, said: “Wednesday is going to be a mixed bag.
“There will be some bright spells around the country and we will be seeing bands of showers move cross the country and it will be quite windy, especially across the South West of the UK.
“It’s a bit of a rollercoaster on the temperatures over the next four or five days.
‘We’re not likely to see the -13C of the other night but we could see temperatures potentially at -7C in a few spots. ”
The Met Office have said that it is set to stay cold on Friday but northerly winds will bring showers.
It is expected to be mostly dry and frosty on Saturday with rain arriving from the northwest during Sunday.
The Met Office tweeted on Tuesday evening: “It’s a roller coaster ride with our temperatures overnight as rain moves eastwards. Take care if you’re travelling.”
Forecasters have said temperatures were higher today after a milder night with lows of 0.2C in Kew Gardens, west London and -0.3C in High Beach, north east London.
The majority of air and rail services, which were disrupted earlier this week have now returned back to normal.
Many parents groups have criticised headteachers for closing schools.
Margaret Morrissey, from the campaign group Parents Outloud, said: “I think the schools are too quick to close, it’s the easy option.
Matt Taylor predicts snow and ice for BBC Breakfast forecast
“What would happen if countries like Russia did this? Their children would never get an education.”
One social media user said: “Staggered to see local schools closed because of snow - just seen the woman across the road in her 80s walking back from the paper shop and kids can’t even walk to school.”