BRITS will have to put up with another day of freezing temperatures as the Met Office has extended its ice warning with the mercury expected to plummet to a very chilly -10C.
It comes as the elderly have been given a health alert and warned to “wear more layers” as south-east England has seen its earliest winter snow in 15 years.
Jordan CrosbyThere were Christmassy scenes in Hartlepool, Teesside this morning as commuters made an early start to their day[/caption]
MET OfficeThe Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for Friday morning as the freezing temperatures continue[/caption]
PAThe Angel of the North statue in Gateshead got a covering of snow this morning[/caption]
Parts of the UK could see 5cm of snow on Friday with temperatures expected to drop as low as -10C in some areas.
The weather forecaster has a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across many parts of the UK.
One area starts from as far north as Scotland’s Shetland Islands and then running down the eastern coast of the UK and as far south as the southern part of Suffolk.
Also impacted are large parts of Cornwall and Devon and the northern part of Northern Ireland along the coast.
Overnight temperatures dropped as low as -6C in south-west England, -8C in Wales and -10C in parts of Scotland, the Met Office said.
As the day gets underway, it will be a cold start with freezing fog and icy patches in places.
Further wintry showers will continue along coastal areas.
Inland areas are expected to remain dry and could see spells of sunshine.
It will feel cold in most parts and very cold where fog lingers, the Met Office says.
Overnight, most places will remain dry with clears spells which will lead to a widespread sharp frost.
Temperatures are likely to go as low as -10C.
Coastal areas will experience wintry showers while inland freezing fog is predicted to develop.
Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: “For most of us it will be dry and bright. There will be some wintry showers over the hills.
“There could be 2cm to 5cm of snow for areas 100m to 200m above sea level, with rain falling at lower levels, particularly Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
“The North York Moors and parts of Scotland will likely get snow.
“There will be another widespread frost, with a max temperature of 5C across the South.”
Saturday is due to be another cold day, according to the Met Office, will plenty of sunny spells too.
Coastal areas will once again see wintry showers and these could move inland across Wales, the Midlands and south-west England as the day progresses.
The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued amber cold health alerts in five regions: the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber; until December 5, meaning “cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time”.
For those who may be travelling on the roads this weekend, National Network Manager at National Highways, Dale Hipkiss, advised motorists to keep an winter kit in the car while driving.
“Keeping a kit of essential items like a torch and warm clothes, in your vehicle, can be vital in case you and your passengers become stranded,” he said.
“Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as snow and ice, so please … plan ahead for your journey, check weather forecasts, and if weather conditions do become challenging whilst travelling, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.
“It’s also a good idea for people to check (your) vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, etc. before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”
He added: “If you do unfortunately find yourself in an unsafe or vulnerable situation and need assistance, please contact the emergency services.”
Moving into next week, the weather is likely to remain cold with a north-easterly air flow pushing through frigid air from the north.
The Met Office predicts a good deal of dry, sunny weather for many, showers remain possible across the UK, particularly in eastern coastal areas.
However, showers could turn wintry at times.
The weather will become increasingly unsettled and less cold in southern and central areas next week, but it will probably remain cold with further coastal wintry showers in the north.
LNPAn early riser wrapped up warm to face the freezing conditions in the Yorkshire town of Malton[/caption]
A woman walking downa snow covered road in the coastal village of Cullercoats in North TynesideNNP Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
