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The Met Office has issued further weather warnings for Thursday with widespread snow and rain forecast across large parts of the country.
All schools in Flintshire have closed as locals prepare for the blast of cold weather, while commuters have been warned of risky driving conditions as temperatures plummet.
Amber warnings for snow have been issued for parts of northern England and north Wales, while a mixture of yellow rain and snow warnings will be in force across the four nations.
Up to 25cm of snow are forecast across high ground in the Peak District and the southern Pennines, with a warning in force from noon until 6pm on Thursday.
A separate warning for snow and ice will be in place between 8am and 3pm across north Wales and Shropshire, with 10-15cm widely expected in both areas.
Met Office chief meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said: “Make sure you’re staying tuned to the forecast and the Met Office warning page for any updates that we may issue. Before that, make sure that for your journey times you plan longer, especially in the snow.”
Drivers warned to reduce speeds and use main roads
Chris Wood, from the AA, said: “If you need to travel, reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles, and try to use main roads where possible as these are more likely to have been gritted.
“Allow extra time as it’s likely your journey will take longer than usual, and ensure you have plenty of fuel or electrical charge if driving an electric vehicle.
“The cold snap is likely to affect vehicle breakdown levels, with faults such as flat batteries and wiper faults.”
Holly Evans8 February 2024 10:05
Snow mapped: Where will wintry showers hit UK this week
There are currently 11 weather warnings in place this week as heavy rain, snow and ice are all expected to descend upon the country. Up to 20cm of snow could settle on higher ground as a band of cold air pushes north on Thursday.
Take a look here to see where snow is set to hit in the coming days:
Holly Evans8 February 2024 09:37
In pictures: Snow falls over the Peak District
Commuters are facing risky driving conditions in the Peak District
(PA)
Snow has fallen while a weather warning is expected to last throughout the day
(PA)
People out enjoying the snow in Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Peak District.
(PA)
Holly Evans8 February 2024 09:16
Amber weather warning has come into place for Wales.
An amber weather warning is now in place in Wales, which is due to last from 8am until 3pm.
The Met Office have warned that there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures and power cuts.
Holly Evans8 February 2024 08:54
All schools in one North Wales county close ahead of snowy weather
Several schools in north Wales have closed today as they prepare for snow and ice in the latest Artic blast to hit the UK.
Flintshire council warned that every school in the county would be closed under the amber weather warning, which includes 72 primary schools, two special needs schools and 11 secondary schools.
Six schools in Gwynedd have also announced that they will be closed on Thursday.
Several schools have closed in anticipation of snow and ice
(Getty Images)
Holly Evans8 February 2024 08:48
Met Office warns snow could lead to poor driving conditions
Met Office meteorologist Amy Bokota said an easterly wind meant that places “inland and higher up” were likely to see the most snow.
She said it was “unlikely” that significant levels of snow would be on the ground for days, but added it could lead to difficult driving conditions on Thursday.
Ms Bokota said: “The snow could cause some pretty poor driving conditions for parts of the Pennines and Wales, particularly through the afternoon and early evening.”
The forecaster added that most places would see a return to milder conditions by the end of Thursday.
She said: “It will be quite a short-lived cold snap for much of the UK, but continuing on a little bit longer through parts of northern England and Scotland into the early hours of Friday and the start of the weekend.”
Holly Evans8 February 2024 08:17
Snow to shift north at weekend
The snow risk will move north over the weekend, according to forecasters, but many areas will remain wet.
There are signs of a change to more settled weather for some next week.
Map of yellow warning for Scotland on Saturday
(Met Office)
Jane Dalton8 February 2024 07:03
Arctic blast to bring 10 inches of snow as Met Office issues amber weather warning
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning, the second most serious alert, for parts of England and Wales. Some yellow weather warnings for rain and snow will also be in effect across almost the entire country.
Up to 10 inches of snow could fall in these regions:
Stuti Mishra8 February 2024 06:30
How to help birds survive in snow
The RSPB has issued suggestions to householders on helping birds survive the snow.
Jane Dalton8 February 2024 06:03
Snow and ice forecast for Thursday
Almost the entire country is under warnings for snow, ice and rain, with almost 10 inches of snow set to fall on higher ground.
Amber weather warnings for snow have been issued for parts of northern England and north Wales, while a mixture of yellow rain and snow warnings will be in force across the four nations.
Here’s a map giving an overview of the amount of rainfall different regions can expect today.
Met Office map shows snow and ice risk on Thursday
(Met Office)
Stuti Mishra8 February 2024 05:30
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
