More sleet and snow is on the way later this week as an Arctic cold snap has "intensified" across the UK.
Temperatures dropped as low as -6°C overnight close to the centre of Newcastle, while in some parts of Scotland it reached an even chillier -15°C as the UK Health and Security Agency issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert for the whole of England. A yellow weather warning is also in place until 10am on Wednesday for snow and ice in the North East, and that will be followed by further yellow warnings on Thursday and Friday.
In our region, it's likely to be cold for the rest of Wednesday, however there may be some snow showers near the coast. The Met Office's chief meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said that the weather in the next few days could cut off rural communities in the north.
Read more: North East weather: Hour-by-hour forecast for Wednesday and Thursday according to the Met Office
Mr Lehnert said: "Snow, ice and low temperatures are the main themes of this week’s forecast, with the UK under an Arctic maritime air mass. Snow could lead to some travel disruption, with a chance some rural communities in the north could be cut off.
"Further snow and hail showers are also expected along northern coasts, especially in northern Scotland. The impact of lying snow and ice on untreated surfaces may have an impact on Thursday morning travel."
Dale Hipkiss, national network manager at National Highways, urged people to prepare for the cold weather so as not to become stranded in their vehicles. He said: "Keeping a kit of essential items like a torch and warm clothes, in your vehicle, can be vital in case you and your passengers become stranded in winter.
"Freezing conditions bring so many hazards, such as snow and ice, and take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected."
Following the UKHSA's Level 3 Cold Weather Alert, head of extreme events and health protection Dr Agostinho Sousa advised people to check on vulnerable relatives and told pensioners and anyone with underlying health conditions to heat their home to at least 18°C.
Helen Caughey, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, said: "Through Thursday and Friday the snow risk spreads, to central and northern areas of the UK. Parts of Northern Ireland, Wales and northern England are expected to see the worst of the conditions develop from early on Thursday, with parts of Scotland and northern England then seeing snow arrive through Thursday afternoon.
"Snow across the northern half of the UK will persist through much of Friday, while further south, any snow will turn back to rain through Thursday afternoon and evening. Strong winds are also expected to develop through Thursday and Friday which may create drifting snow and blizzard conditions in places."
What to expect
- There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel
- There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off
- A small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
Read next
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