An icy Arctic blast has gripped the United Kingdom, sending temperatures plunging well below freezing and coating swathes of the country in snow and ice. The mercury dropped to a bone-chilling -9.3C on Saturday night, marking the lowest temperatures recorded in England and Wales so far this winter.
Amber Warnings and Widespread Disruption
Authorities have escalated weather warnings as conditions are forecast to deteriorate further. The Met Office has issued a significant amber weather warning for heavy snow across parts of Scotland, including Aberdeen, Aviemore, and Ullapool, from 6pm Sunday until 10am Monday.
This alert warns of potential travel chaos, with rural communities at risk of being cut off. The forecaster also cautioned about possible flight cancellations and disruptions to mobile phone coverage. A separate yellow warning for snow and ice covers much of Scotland north of Glasgow until midnight on Monday.
"Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times," a Met Office spokesperson stated, highlighting that the amber warning period is when the most disruptive conditions are expected.
Nationwide Chill and Health Risks
The cold snap is not confined to Scotland. Yellow warnings for snow and ice are also active for Wales, Greater Manchester, and south-west England, while much of England's east coast is under a yellow ice warning.
The severe conditions have prompted serious health alerts. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has an amber cold health alert in force for all regions of England until 10am on January 9. This indicates expected severe impacts across health and social care, with a predicted rise in deaths, particularly among the vulnerable.
The British Heart Foundation emphasised the dangers, with senior cardiac nurse Ruth Goss noting: "Cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes." The charity advises those with heart conditions to wrap up warm and get their flu jab.
Official Advice and Emergency Measures
With Monday marking a return to work for many after the festive break, officials are urging extreme caution. Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, advised: "If you have to travel then please ensure your vehicle is winter ready... If you can delay your journey until the amber warning has expired, please do so."
She also thanked frontline staff, including gritter drivers and police, working in the difficult conditions. In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan has activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide emergency shelter for rough sleepers during the freezing nights.
Residents are being advised to take precautions: keep bedrooms closed, wear multiple layers, and heat main living spaces to at least 18C if possible, while ensuring they have adequate supplies of food and medicine.
