The UK is bracing for more snowfall after a day of dramatic wintry scenes across the country, with warnings remaining in place well into the weekend. The Met Office has announced where it is expected to snow in the UK on Friday, and the wintry weather is far from over yet.
Heavy Snow Causes Road Closures and School Shutdowns(Photo : Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Heavy snow saw roads clogged up and forced schools to close early across the UK on Thursday.
Many drivers were stranded on major routes, such as the M62 and the A66, as the snow piled up and reduced visibility. Some motorists had to abandon their vehicles and seek shelter in nearby pubs and hotels.
Schools also had to shut their doors early, as the snow made it difficult for pupils and staff to travel safely. Many parents had to rush to pick up their children, while others faced the challenge of finding alternative childcare arrangements.
Some schools have already announced that they will remain closed on Friday, as the snow is expected to continue.
While the snow-covered landscapes offer breathtaking views, they conceal a hazardous combination of snow and ice beneath their pristine surface. The Met Office warns residents of the potential dangers lurking underneath the enchanting white layer.
Safety is paramount; hence residents are advised to exercise caution while walking or driving. The beauty of the snowy landscapes is undeniable but so is the inherent risk associated with icy conditions.
The Met Office has issued yellow and amber warnings for snow and ice across most of the UK, indicating a possible threat to life and property.
The warnings cover Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and parts of England, including the Midlands, the North, and the South East.
The Met Office says that some areas could see up to 10cm of snow, while others could experience freezing rain, which can create a layer of ice on top of the snow. This can make the surfaces extremely slippery and dangerous.
The Met Office also warns of possible power cuts, travel delays, and disruption to public services due to the snow and ice. Residents are urged to check the latest weather updates and plan ahead before venturing out.
The wintry weather is expected to last until Sunday, with some respite on Saturday, when the temperatures will rise slightly and the snow will turn into rain in some areas.
However, the rain could also cause flooding and further problems for the already struggling transport network.
The UK is facing one of the coldest and snowiest winters in recent years, as a series of low-pressure systems bring cold air and precipitation from the Arctic.
The Met Office says that this is due to the La Niña phenomenon, which affects the global weather patterns and causes colder and wetter conditions in the northern hemisphere.
The Met Office also says that climate change could make these extreme weather events more frequent and intense in the future, as the warming of the planet alters the jet stream and the polar vortex.
The jet stream is a band of fast-moving air that circles the globe and influences the weather, while the polar vortex is a mass of cold air that sits over the poles and sometimes breaks down and spills into lower latitudes.
The UK is not the only country affected by the wintry weather. Other parts of Europe, such as France, Germany, and Spain, have also seen heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures in the past week, causing chaos and disruption.
The snow has also reached as far south as Greece and Turkey, where it is rare and unusual.
The snow may be a delight for some, especially children and photographers, but it is also a nightmare for many, especially those who have to travel or work outdoors.
The UK is facing a tough challenge to cope with the snow and ice, as more snowfall is expected in the coming days.