The Met Office has issued a weather alert for 10 regions expected to experience snowfall later today. The yellow warning will be effective from 3 pm on Thursday until 3 am on Friday, covering parts of northern England and the Midlands. According to the Met Office, rain is likely to transition into snow over hills during the afternoon and evening, potentially causing travel disruptions.
Although sleet and snow could occur at lower elevations in the evening, significant snow accumulation is anticipated at higher altitudes. Areas above 250 to 300 meters may see up to 5cm of snow, while those above 500 meters could experience up to 15cm. The majority of the snow is forecasted to melt by Friday morning.
In parallel, the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) has issued avalanche warnings for six mountainous areas in the Scottish Highlands. The Cairngorms are at a “considerable” risk level, with potential for natural avalanches, including large ones. The SAIS cautions that a solitary individual could trigger an avalanche on steep slopes.
A “moderate” avalanche threat has been declared for Creag Meagaidh in the Central Highlands, where human-triggered avalanches are plausible. Individuals in areas with “considerable” or “moderate” risk are advised to utilize mountain features like ridges and scoured slopes for safe travel, while being mindful of visibility, route selection, and group management.
In the West and Northwest Highlands, including Glencoe, Lochaber, and Torridon, the avalanche risk is categorized as “low,” indicating the possibility of only small to medium avalanches. Triggering avalanches in these regions would necessitate multiple individuals in isolated, steep locations, and travel conditions in low-hazard areas are generally considered safe.
The Met Office is predicting “cloudy and wet” weather conditions throughout most of the UK today, with some sunny intervals in the northwest. Southern and southwestern England, southern Wales, and eastern Scotland are expected to receive rain, while snow is likely on northern hills. Temperatures will be cold and windy in the north, with additional rain and snow anticipated later.
Looking ahead to Friday, most areas will experience rainfall, with snowfall expected on northern hills and overall windy conditions. The northwest of the country may see brighter spells, although heavy showers are likely towards the southwest.
