The RAC has warned that several areas are set for an “ice-rink Monday” today and told people to stay at home as melting snow causes treacherous conditions on the roads. Unexpected heavy snow caused UK-wide disruption over the last week, but while much of it has started to thaw, bitterly low temperatures have frozen the remaining snow-melt.
Weather forecasters captured lows of -12.5C overnight on Sunday in Scotland and comparative temperatures slightly further south. The home nation and parts of northern England have been included in snow and ice warnings this morning, which will last into the afternoon.
RAC representatives have told people they may need to abandon their journeys due to the danger posed by slippery surfaces. Simon Williams, a spokesman for the car services firm, dubbed Monday, December 4, “ice rink Monday”.
He said the RAC expects “very treacherous” conditions on the roads, especially in “northern parts”. Mr Williams said: “We’re expecting some very treacherous icy conditions in northern parts, so those who have to drive should exercise great caution.”
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“If it’s possible to delay or even abandon journeys that may well be the best option.” Mr Williams’ warning for the north is largely in line with the Met Office’s list of areas under yellow alert for snow and ice.
The agency has issued warnings for two broad areas covering the country this morning, covering the Orkney Islands in the north to Stoke-on-Trent further south.
Snow and ice alerts cover nearly a dozen areas, where people may experience “difficult travel conditions” and potentially “slips and falls” on icy surfaces.
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In Scotland, snow and ice warnings cover the following areas:
– Central, Tayside & Fife
– Grampian
– Highlands & Eilean Siar
– Orkney & Shetland
– SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
– Strathclyde
Further south in England, the warnings cover the following areas:
– East Midlands
– North East England
– North West England
– West Midlands
– Yorkshire & Humber
A third weather alert for southwest England and parts of southern Wales warns of incoming heavy rain, with between 20mm and 30mm (0.7 to 1.1 inches) of heavy rain falling “widely” and isolated areas seeing up to 40mm and 60mm (1.5 to 2.3 inches).
Met Office five-day forecast
Today:
England and Wales will be rather cloudy today with outbreaks of rain, some heavy. Snow and ice also affecting some central and northern parts, especially this morning. Eastern Scotland will see wintry showers and icy patches. Brighter elsewhere. Generally breezy.
Tonight:
Cloudy for many overnight with rain at times. Some snow, mainly in the northeast, and over some hills elsewhere. Clear spells giving frost and ice in the north and northwest.
Tuesday:
Rain and hill snow gradually easing across England and Wales with brighter spells developing. Sunnier elsewhere, but cold, with a few wintry showers in the northeast. Lighter winds for most.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Frost and fog clearing then bright spells on Wednesday. Wet and windy weather arriving from the southwest, pushing north and east into Thursday and Friday, with some initial hill snow.
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