DEEP FREEZE
UK weather: Met Office extends ice warning as Brits brace for ‘freezing fog and frost’ – with temperatures down to -10C
As much as 5cm of snow could fall today
BRITS will have to put up with another day of freezing temperatures in the current cold spell 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.
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Parts of the UK could see 5cm of snow today with temperatures expected to drop as low as -10C in some areas.
Hilly areas including the North Yorkshire Moors and parts of Scotland have seen more snowfall this morning.
Those in certain areas of London have seen the first snowfall of the year today, with flurries spotted in Queen's Park and Highgate.
The "severe weather" has also sparked delayed train services between York and Edinburgh.
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Meanwhile commuters in the southeast were also halted this morning after power was cut from trains in Kent.
Residents in the north east of England were also forced to bring out their de-icer as rows of houses awoke to frozen windshields and snow covered roads.
As temperatures plummeted below -3C further north in Scotland this morning, planes at Edinburgh Airport were also seen being de-iced on the frosty runways.
Elsewhere, in Portsmouth, the City Council sadly cancelled their Christmas lights switch-on party due to the weather making it unsafe for local children to perform.
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It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across many parts of the UK today.
The alert shows the entire east coast being hit with snow and ice with also the very north of Scotland also suffering.
While the areas previously around Northern Ireland and south west England have cleared, a section of the north-west coast covering southern Scotland and northern England are expected to be hit.
The warning also stretches into Saturday which covers just the most northern parts of Scotland, and a large section of the eastern coast which now stretches further south, down into Kent.
Parts of the north west coast are also expected to be hit with snow and ice.
Overnight temperatures dropped as low as -6C in south-west England, -8C in Wales and -10C in parts of Scotland, the Met Office said.
Further wintry showers are predicted continue along coastal areas throughout Friday
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.
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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.
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