Overview
- The Met Office has issued multiple yellow snow and ice alerts across Northern Ireland, much of Scotland, parts of Wales, and northern and southwestern England, alongside an amber snow warning for North East England and Yorkshire on Thursday.
- Chief forecasters say 15–25cm could build up over the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds, with 2–5cm possible elsewhere where showers are frequent and strong northerly winds enhance the risk of drifting and blizzard-like conditions.
- Temperatures are forecast to plunge, with the Met Office warning of lows near -11C in rural Scotland on Thursday night and widespread ice hazards after night-time clear spells.
- Transport operators caution of disruption, with the Met Office and National Rail warning of delays and possible cancellations, National Highways activating a 530-strong gritter fleet, and CalMac reporting some ferry cancellations and delays.
- Health and safety advisories are in effect, including UKHSA amber and yellow cold-health alerts for England and a concurrent Met Éireann Status Yellow snow and ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim and Sligo.