More snow and ice is expected throughout the week as the UK is hit by an Arctic blast, the Met Office has said.
The forecasting body said the weather could impact travel over the next few days with temperatures today (Wednesday) to dip as low as -6C in northern and eastern counties.
A number of National Severe Warnings for snow and ice have already been issued, with the Met Office saying further warnings, or updates to the current warnings, are “very likely”.
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Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Helen Caughey detailed weather changes over the second half of the week. And it looks like Northern Ireland will get a dumping of snow on Thursday.
She 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.”
Dale Hipkiss, national network manager at National Highways, urged people to pack extra provisions in vehicles in case they become stranded.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The Met Office also warned that ice will be an additional hazard through the week as regions experience sub-zero temperatures.
In some sheltered areas, temperatures could drop as low as -15C overnight on Tuesday.
The Met’s chief meteorologist Matthew 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.
“The focus for the snow moves to southern England and South Waleson Wednesday and some may wake up to a few centimetres of snow, with the south coast and far south-west likely to see a mix of rain and sleet. Further snow and hail showers are also expected along northern coasts, especially in northern Scotland.
“During the afternoon, a further spell of sleet and snow is likely to develop. The impact of lying snow and ice on untreated surfaces may have an impact on Thursday morning travel.”
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