WEATHER – LATEST: Yellow snow warnings for most of England as temperatures drop to -7.4C (up to 40cm expected)

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Two yellow weather warnings have been issued with snowstorms set to hit much of the UK, with major health warnings due to freezing temperatures expected over the weekend.

An amber warning for snow and ice is in place for most of the Midlands, Wales and parts of northern England from 6pm on Saturday until 12pm on Sunday.

Another yellow snow warning will then be in place for parts of northern England and the Midlands from 9pm on Saturday until Sunday.

According to the Met Office, up to 40cm of snow is expected to fall in the worst-hit areas, with most warned areas expected to see between 3cm and 7cm.

A yellow weather warning for ice will be in place for parts of Scotland, north-west England, north Wales and Northern Ireland from 4pm on Friday to 10am on Saturday, and snow and ice will be in place for most of England from 12pm to 23 Saturday. Another warning is expected to be issued. Sunday 59:00 PM.

A yellow snow warning has since been issued for Scotland from midnight on Sunday and will last until Monday.

On Thursday night, the temperature dropped to -7.4 degrees Celsius. The UK Health and Safety Executive (UKHSA) has issued a cold alert (CHA) warning of increased health risks.

VIDEO REPORT: Temperatures plummet as cold snap continues in UK. Temperatures plummet as cold spell continues across the UK.

Andy GregoryJanuary 4, 2025 01:17

UK health authorities warn of cold weather impacts

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold spell health warning across the UK ahead of a week of cold temperatures.

The yellow alert was issued on Thursday and will remain in place until January 8, meaning deaths are likely to rise, the agency said.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: The predicted temperatures could have serious impacts on the health of some people, including those aged over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions. It is important to check in on your most vulnerable friends, family and neighbors.

These people may be at higher risk for heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections due to cold temperatures.

Andy GregoryJanuary 3, 2025 23:24

Pedestrians rescued overnight near snow-capped Cairngorms mountain peak

Three hillwalkers were rescued overnight in the Cairngorms, with two yellow weather warnings in place across Scotland and England on Friday and snow falling north of the border as temperatures plunged below freezing overnight.

After three pedestrians called for rescue at around 9:45 pm near the summit of the Lairig Ghru mountain pass, which is 835 meters above sea level, more than 20 mountain rescuers and a Coast Guard helicopter were dispatched to assist in the nine-hour rescue operation. did it sea ​​level.

All were later reported safe.

Andy GregoryJanuary 3, 2025 22:28

The RSPCA warns homeowners that salt and antifreeze can kill pets.

The RSPCA has warned householders that antifreeze and salt can be toxic to their pets as snow and freezing temperatures are expected to sweep across the UK this weekend.

The charity asks drivers to check their vehicles regularly for coolant leaks. Store antifreeze in labeled, sturdy, sealed containers and out of reach of pets. Clean up even small spills immediately and keep animals away from the area until it is clean.

The RSPCA says pets die every year from accidental poisoning from antifreeze spills or car coolant leaks, but many of these deaths are avoidable.

Dogs that have been walked in areas with rock salt should wash their paws thoroughly afterwards. Otherwise, if an animal licks its paws, it could become irritated or ingested.

Additionally, drivers should tap on the car's hood and check around the wheels and tops of the tires before starting the car. This is because your cat may hide there for warmth.

Reporter Jane Dalton has the details.

Andy GregoryJanuary 3, 2025 21:30

What is Freezing Rain?

Forecasters have warned of the potential for freezing rain and hazardous conditions this weekend.

According to the Met Office, the conditions required for freezing rain are very specific and this does not occur very often in the UK.

According to the National Forecaster, raindrops can have a noticeable effect because they spread across the surface for a split second before freezing, surrounding the surface with a transparent layer of ice.

The weight of ice can sometimes be heavy enough to topple trees and power lines, and the glaze of ice that falls to the ground effectively turns roads and pathways into ice rinks. Freezing rain can be very dangerous for aircraft.

Freezing rain is more common in other parts of the world, such as the United States, where weather systems cause a lot of freezing rain. These are called ice storms, and if enough glaze builds up on trees or power lines, the weight of the ice can cause them to break apart and cause massive havoc.

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Andy GregoryJanuary 3, 2025 20:32

A dazzling meteor shower that lights up the night sky with up to 80 shooting stars per hour.

Up to 80 shooting stars per hour are expected to brighten the sky tonight, according to the Met Office.

Andy GregoryJanuary 3, 2025 19:47

An icy yellow warning is in effect.

A yellow weather warning for ice is in place across Scotland, Northern Ireland and North West England until 10am tomorrow.

The National Weather Service said to expect ice patches on some untreated roads, pavements and bike paths, as well as injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

(Meteorological Administration)

Andy GregoryJanuary 3, 2025 19:02

National road advice for drivers driving in snow

Ahead of tomorrow's yellow weather warning, National Roads offers the following advice on driving in snowy conditions:

Drive on main roads as much as possible and only travel when necessary. When ice freezes, it can take 10 times longer to stop. Using a high gear will help prevent wheel spin. Accelerate smoothly using low revs. You may need to start in second gear to avoid skidding. You may need up to 10 times the normal distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. Do not brake suddenly. The wheels may lock and cause further slipping. Be especially careful at road intersections where road markings are not visible.

Andy GregoryJanuary 3, 2025 18:31

Where in the UK are flood warnings in place?

Twenty-four Environment Agency flood warnings have been lifted in the last 24 hours, but in England three warnings remain in place near the River Ouse in Yorkshire, where flooding is expected.

A further 29 warnings remain in force in areas where flooding may occur.

Flood warnings (red) and alerts (orange) remain in place across England (Environment Agency)

Andy GregoryJanuary 3, 2025 18:06

Wes Streeting says pensioners need to be stratified as millions struggle without winter fuel bills.

The Health Secretary has advised pensioners to be stratified amid warnings that millions will struggle after ministers cut winter fuel bills.

Wes Streeting also said the next few days are definitely the time to turn on the heating as temperatures plummet and snow is expected to fall across the country.

Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:

Andy GregoryJanuary 3, 2025 17:36

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