Friday night is expected to bring the coldest temperatures of the winter so far, with the UK bracing for lows of -20°C in the Scottish Highlands and the capital, London, potentially seeing temperatures plunge to -6°C.
Nationwide freeze
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for ice across large swathes of the country, including much of Wales, Northern Ireland, and eastern England. Thursday night was the coldest January night in the UK for 15 years, and the upcoming night is forecast to be even colder.
Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick described the outlook: “Anywhere across the UK is likely to see those temperatures dipping below freezing and quite severe frost and ice forming overnight tonight.”
London’s chilly forecast
In London, Friday promises a cold, dry day with freezing fog lingering through the morning and temperatures struggling to rise above freezing. Overnight, the mercury could dip to -6°C, marking the capital’s chilliest night of the season.
Freezing fog is also forecast for south-east England and parts of Wales, and it could persist in some areas throughout the day. However, where the fog lifts, residents can expect bright, sunny conditions.
Scotland and the North
Northern Scotland is forecast to see snowfall on Friday, with the possibility of snow reaching the far north-east of England. The icy conditions are expected to worsen where rain falls on already frozen ground, increasing the risk of hazardous travel conditions.
Mr Eslick advised caution: “We are telling people to take care if travelling around with these cold temperatures. But at least it’s quite settled, and away from that freezing fog, it will be nice, bright, and sunny.”
Gradual warming next week
Relief from the bitter cold is in sight as temperatures are expected to gradually climb by Monday. Sunday will still be chilly but not as severe as Friday and Saturday. By Monday, temperatures could return to seasonal norms, around 7°C or 8°C in most areas.
Disruptions continue
The wintry weather has already caused significant disruptions across the UK. Snow and icy conditions forced Manchester Airport to close both runways on Thursday morning, though they reopened later in the day. In Wales, Transport for Wales shut down some rail lines due to track damage caused by heavy wind, rain, and snow.
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Education has also been impacted, with hundreds of schools in Scotland and around 90 in Wales closed on Thursday due to the adverse weather.
Motorists advised to exercise caution
Motorists are being urged to stick to major roads, which are more likely to have been gritted. Car insurer RAC reported its busiest three-day period for rescues since December 2022 as icy conditions caused vehicle breakdowns.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its cold weather health alert for all of England until Sunday. Amber alerts, indicating a high risk of health impacts and an increase in deaths, have been extended to January 12.
Preparing for the cold
As the UK braces for another frigid night, authorities are urging residents to take precautions. Vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, are encouraged to stay warm and seek assistance if needed.
With temperatures set to plunge and travel disruptions likely to continue, the public is advised to stay informed and prepared for what could be the coldest night of the season.
