UK Weather Snow Warnings Remain as Cold Snap Continues
The UK weather snow warnings remain in force as a cold snap continues across much of the country. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are affecting travel as the first full working week of the year begins. The Met Office has issued multiple amber and yellow warnings, covering parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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In north-east England, more snow is expected as wintry showers move inland from the North Sea. A snow and ice warning is in place until 11:00 GMT on Tuesday. Areas affected include Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, Redcar, and Hartlepool, where icy conditions are likely on untreated roads and pavements.
UK weather Snow and Ice Continue Across North-East England
More snow is expected across north-east England following a weekend of freezing conditions that left parts of Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, Redcar, and Hartlepool blanketed in snow. According to the Met Office, snow showers will continue at times through Monday, gradually becoming more isolated later in the evening. However, the risk of ice will persist overnight as temperatures fall below freezing.
Travel disruption is likely on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Icy patches are expected to form on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths, increasing the risk for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Local authorities have urged residents to take extra care when travelling.
Sunderland City Council confirmed its gritting teams are working around the clock to maintain road safety. The council said winter maintenance teams remain on standby 24/7, monitoring weather conditions and applying treatments where necessary. Durham County Council also confirmed that priority routes would be gritted from 04:00 GMT following earlier salting operations.
Road Closures and Local Disruption
The cold weather has already caused significant disruption in parts of the region. Durham Constabulary reported that Fillpoke Lane between High Hesleden and the A1086 Coast Road at Crimdon had to be closed on Saturday due to treacherous icy conditions. In East Cleveland, Kilton Lane between Lingdale and Kilton Thorpe Lane became impassable on Sunday because of heavy snow.
Community events have also been affected. A charity walk in North Yorkshire organised in support of the Durham mental health hub Checkmate was postponed due to unsafe conditions. Organisers described the weather as “terrible,” citing snow, wind, and poor visibility as reasons for cancelling the event in the interest of public safety.
Despite the conditions, some people continued cold-water swimming along the North Sea coast, demonstrating mixed responses to the harsh winter weather.
Blizzard Conditions and Amber Warnings in Scotland
Elsewhere in the UK, the weather situation is even more severe. Blizzard conditions are forecast across parts of northern Scotland, where the Met Office has issued three amber warnings for heavy snow, strong winds, and travel disruption. Affected areas include Aberdeenshire, the Cairngorms, Orkney, and Shetland.
Forecasters warn that some locations could see between 20cm and 30cm of snow, raising concerns that rural communities may become cut off. Power cuts are also considered likely in the hardest-hit areas. Schools in Shetland were closed, while schools in Aberdeen delayed opening until later in the morning.
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A wider yellow warning for snow and ice remains in place across much of Scotland north of Glasgow, with similar warnings covering large parts of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Travel and Transport Warnings
The return to work and school following the Christmas break coincides with the worst of the winter weather. The RAC warned that Monday is expected to be the worst day of the year for vehicle breakdowns, as freezing temperatures place extra strain on batteries, engines, and tyres.
Transport Scotland advised motorists to plan journeys carefully, allow extra time, and adjust driving to suit road conditions. Officials also warned that rail, ferry, and air travel could be disrupted, urging passengers to check with operators before setting off.
Health Alerts Remain in Force
An amber cold health alert remains active across England until Friday morning, issued by the UK Health Security Agency. Health officials warn that prolonged cold weather can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory illnesses, particularly among people aged over 65 and those with existing health conditions.
Authorities have urged the public to check on vulnerable friends, family members, and neighbours. Advice includes staying warm indoors, wearing layered clothing, consuming warm food and drinks, and keeping necessary medications stocked to avoid unnecessary travel.
When Will the Cold Snap End?
According to the Met Office, temperatures are expected to lift slowly later in the week. Tuesday is forecast to bring a mix of rain and snow as milder air attempts to move in from the west. Sunny spells are expected to develop on Wednesday, although further sleet and snow may arrive overnight before clearing early on Thursday.
While conditions are expected to improve gradually, forecasters stress that weather patterns remain changeable. Residents are advised to stay informed by monitoring the latest forecasts and UK weather snow warnings as the situation continues to evolve.
