A cold weather warning has been issued for parts of England, with a significant drop in temperatures and icy conditions expected across the UK this week. The UK Health Security Agency has activated an alert for the Midlands and northern England, effective from Monday morning and lasting until the following Friday.
This comes after the UK experienced its coldest night since March, with temperatures as low as minus 7C in Scotland. The sudden cold snap is attributed to a change in wind patterns.
Mild weather previously caused by southerly winds will give way to colder air sweeping south from the Arctic, driven by high pressure to the northwest. Temperatures are predicted to fall by eight to 10 degrees Celsius, with widespread frosts expected nationwide on Monday morning and lows potentially reaching minus 5C to minus 7C.
Snow and ice are possible, particularly in areas exposed to the northerly Arctic winds. On Tuesday, a low-pressure system is expected to bring rain, sleet, and hill snow to northern parts of the UK.
Wintry showers, a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, are forecast for Scotland, Northern Ireland, the North Yorkshire Moors, west Wales, and the moors of southwest England on Tuesday and Wednesday. Most other areas are expected to be dry and sunny on Thursday, with overnight frosts.
The Met Office has indicated that further warnings for snow and ice may be issued.
