UK weather – latest: Snow and ice warnings as Brits warned conditions ‘worse rather than better’

Saturday and Sunday slapped with fresh set of alerts for snow and ice

Cars stranded on motorway as M62 at standstill following heavy snow

Britain has been warned of more snow and ice this weekend after temperatures plummeted to -10C overnight.

Conditions are “actually going to get worse rather than better”, said Andrew Page-Dove of the National Highways, as there is risk of freezing rain on the roads after Storm Larisa.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice which cover large swathes of the country.

Met Office meteorologist Matthew Box said rain, sleet and snow will push northeast across the country during the weekend, likely falling on the hills and mountains of the Pennines, the Cumbrian vales and some parts of Scotland.

But added snowfall would be “nothing to the same extent as what we saw on Thursday”.

It comes after persistent snowfall caused “absolute carnage” on the M62 trans-Pennine motorway on Friday.

Storm Larisa brought with it “treacherous conditions”, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.

Key Points

• Conditions to be ‘worse rather than better’
• Snow warnings extended to weekend as travel ‘chaos’ set to continue
• Motorists report delays of six hours on snow-covered M62
• Met Office shares update on when snow will clear
• Tens of thousands of homes without power as snow storms sweep across country
• Schools closed today as Storm Larisa set to bring 'treacherous conditions’

[8 March 2023 08:40 · Emily Atkinson]

Mapped: Where will snow fall in the UK today

More sleet and snow are expected across southern England and south Wales on Wednesday while scattered snow and hail showers will impact Scotland’s northern coasts as the Arctic blast intensifies.

The Met Office‘s early morning radar showed an area of rain moving in from the south and west which was starting to turn increasingly to sleet and snow as it pushed north and east.

The conditions, which have been attributed to an Arctic blast, are expected to bring more snow and ice throughout the UK, the Met Office said.

Thomas Kingsley takes a look at the latest maps:

[8 March 2023 08:50 · Emily Atkinson]

In pictures: Swimmers brave freezing conditions King Edward’s Bay, near Tynemouth

(PA)

(PA)

[8 March 2023 09:00 · Emily Atkinson]

Watch: Snow piles across Hampshire as arctic blast hits UK

[8 March 2023 09:05 · Emily Atkinson]

Coldest night of year so far as temperatures drop to -15.2C

The UK has braved its coldest night of the year so far, with temperatures dropping below -15C in the Scottish Highlands as snow blanketed parts of London.

Thermometers at Kinbrace in the Highlands gave readings of -15.2C overnight on Tuesday, the Met Office said – the lowest the mercury has dropped all year.

A blast of Arctic air means that sleet and snow is expected across southern England and south Wales on Wednesday, while scattered snow and hail showers will impact Scotland’s northern coasts as the cold snap intensifies.

Andy Gregory has more:

[8 March 2023 09:10 · Emily Atkinson]

Police urge motorists to avoid driving due to ‘very dangerous’ conditions

Wilshire Police has urged motors to avoid all but essential journeys after heavy snowfall overnight created “very dangerous” driving conditions.

Posting at 3.30am this morning, police said:

[8 March 2023 09:30 · Emily Atkinson]

This morning’s snowfall has been well documented across social media, with footage of snow-capped rooftops and wintry panoramas dominating our feeds.

Here are some of the top posts so far:

[8 March 2023 09:45 · Emily Atkinson]

Bristol airport cancels flights amid Arctic blast

Bristol Airport has cancelled all early morning flights today (Wednesday 8 March) due to snow and adverse weather conditions.

A statement on its Twitter account reads: “The Bristol Airport teams are working hard on snow clearing operations, but as the snow continues to fall, flight operations have been suspended until 1100.

“Passengers are advised to contact their airline for specific flight information prior to travelling to the airport and please take extra care.”

Joanna Whitehead has more:

[8 March 2023 10:06 · Emily Atkinson]

Train travellers warned to expect disruption due to wintry weather

Snow and ice is expected to affect train journeys in many parts of Britain until Friday 10 March, National Rail has announced.

Passengers have been advised to check that their complete journey is possible before travel.

At present, Southeastern services are most affected by the adverse weather, with services disrupted on the Hastings, Sole Street, Bromley North, Bromley South, and Hayes lines.

Joanna Whitehead reports:

[8 March 2023 10:31 · Emily Atkinson]

Kinbrace temperatures further plummet

The coldest overnight temperature of the year has dropped a further 0.2 degrees to minus 15.4C, according to the Met Office.

A reading of minus 15.2C was recorded at Kinbrace in the Highlands on Tuesday night, and the temperature in the area has since decreased further, the national forecaster said.

[8 March 2023 10:50 · Emily Atkinson]

Latest images: Snow covers the M5 carriageway

(PA)

(PA)

(PA)