Snow has arrived in parts of the UK this morning after large parts of the country were plunged into a winter freeze following the coldest night of the season so far.
Patches of snowfall could be seen on higher ground in Scotland on Monday morning, after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 4pm on Sunday.
Temperatures dropped to minus 7.8C in Tulloch Bridge, Scotland, which is the lowest temperature the UK has seen since last winter.
A dusting of ice was also seen on houses and cars in the north of England, as sub-zero temperatures creeped in to bring an end to the generally mild and dry weather conditions experienced in the first half of November.
Forecasters say the snowy weather is likely to shift south later today, meaning around one to three centimeters of snow is also likely to settle in the lower-level areas of the East Midlands, Yorkshire and parts of Wales from 7pm on Monday.
And more snow is expected to fall in Scotland and Northern Ireland from 3pm – with as much as 10cm of the white stuff predicted to settle in higher ground areas.
People across the UK have been told to brace themselves for the effects of the cold snap over the next few days – as temperatures are expected to stay in the single digits for the rest of this week.
Communities in the affected areas could see their power supply cut off, disruption to roads and public transport and the risk of injury from slipping on ice.
This morning, snow dusted grounds across Scotland, including at the Glenshee Ski Centre near Braemar and at Corgarff, both in Aberdeenshire, as well as alongside the A939 near The Lecht in the Cairngorms.
Snow also blanketed the mountain of Ingleborough, while frost covered berries in bushes near Clapham, in the Yorkshire Dales.
Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said snow has mostly fallen on hilltops so far on Monday – with 2cm falling in Lerwick, Shetland.
But more snow and ice is expected over the coming days, with temperatures plunging to below average levels for the time of year.
‘It is going to be quite a widely cold week,’ Ms Maxey said. ‘A few degrees below average both day and night for most of the country.’
It is predicted temperatures could drop to minus 2C in London on Friday, minus 4C in Birmingham and minus 7C further north.
There is a possibility of 15-20cm of snow on ground above 300m (984ft), 5-10cm in areas higher than 200m , with a ‘chance’ that snow could hit lower levels and cause road disruption – although the likelihood of that remains ‘uncertain’.
‘There’s likely to be a widespread frost overnight as we get this colder air coming in from the arctic maritime air mass – cold air from the north pushing down across the country – which will be across the whole country by the middle of the week,’ Ms Maxey said.
Age UK warned that the conditions could be dangerous for older people.
Charity director Caroline Abrahams said: ‘With the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning of snow and ice in some areas this week we are especially worried – the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has caused many older people to be extra fearful about turning on their heating this winter.
‘With high energy bills and food prices it is understandable that some may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, especially if they are already trying to manage existing illnesses.
‘The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.’
Ms Abrahams said it is ‘vital’ that older people stay ‘fit, warm and well if they can’ by having hot food and drinks throughout the day, wrapping up warm and sleeping with the windows closed.
In addition, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Cold Health Alert for large swathes of England running until Thursday – putting NHS services on notice to expect greater demand.
Age Scotland’s Chief Executive Katherine Crawford has also issued advice on how to stay warm during the colder months.
She said: ‘As we get older it can take us longer to warm up, and colder temperatures can exacerbate respiratory problems, heart disease and other health conditions.
‘There is also a concern for older people who have difficulty heating their homes to a comfortable level because of the bigger energy bills we are facing.
‘There is concern too for those with restricted mobility, who may find it harder to get out and about while travel disruption prevents people from being able to get from one place to another safely.
‘There are also simple steps we can all take to ensure no one feels they are facing this period alone.
‘Bad weather may make it difficult for people to get out for essential shopping or medical appointments, so we’d urge everyone to check in on older family, friends and neighbours during this period to find out if they need any extra support.
‘A friendly phone call or an offer to help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or de-icing paths could be a lifeline for someone who feels isolated at home during this cold spell.’
‘Older people, their carers and families in Scotland looking for help or advice can call Age Scotland’s free helpline on 0800 12 44 222.’
