Parts of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland affected as cold snap continues
Arctic blast: Pets frolic as Britain blanketed by freshly fallen snow
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Seven yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place as the UK’s cold snap continues.
Warnings are in force for parts of South West England, Wales, North West England, Northern Ireland and northern Scotland and the Highlands.
Forecasters have warned that snow and ice could cause travel disruption in some of the affected areas.
“Some roads and railways affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services,” the Met Office says.
There is a risk of “some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces,” it adds.
Vast swathes of the country woke up to a layer of frost this morning following subzero temperatures overnight, while other areas have been hit by snow.
Seven snow and ice warnings in place for UK today
Seven yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place as the UK’s cold snap continues.
Warnings are in place for parts of South West England, Wales, North West England, Northern Ireland and northern Scotland and the Highlands.
Forecasters have warned that snow and ice could cause travel disruption in some of the affected areas.
“Some roads and railways affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services,” the Met Office says.
Matt Mathers18 January 2023 10:42
Snow blankets the Highlands: In pictures
Pictures are coming through of wintry scenes in the Highlands as snow continues to fall today.
Liam James18 January 2023 14:24
UK weather: Snow and ice warnings extended as temperatures plunge to -10C
Warnings for snow and ice have been extended into Thursday as temperatures plunged as low as -10C.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings across large parts of the UK as the latest cold snap continues to bite.
My colleague Emily Atkinson reports:
Matt Mathers18 January 2023 12:59
Outlook for Wednesday to Saturday
Tonight
A largely dry evening with clear spells and daytime showers will largely ease. Overnight will be dry with lengthy clear spells and just some patchy cloud. There is a chance of showers developing, mostly across northern Scotland. Moderate to brisk north-westerly winds will be locally strong
Tomorrow
Cloud will break to reveal a fine day as it will be dry and bright with lots of winter sunshine and just some patch cloud. There is a chance of showers developing across northern areas which may be wintry. Gentle to moderate westerly winds will be locally brisk and may be strong across Scotland
Friday and Saturday
Cloud will break on Friday to leave a fine day as it will be dry with lots of winter sunshine however there will be outbreaks of rain across south-west England. Mainly cloudy on Saturday across northern Britain and Northern Ireland with spells of patchy rain but dry with sunny spells further south
Matt Mathers18 January 2023 12:00
What are cold weather payments and how can I get one?
The UK’s freezing weather means some households are eligible for cold weather payments, but what are they and who can receive one?
We answer key questions about them.
Ted Hennessey reports:
Matt Mathers18 January 2023 11:15
Good morning
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s rolling coverage of the weather.
Snow and ice have hit swathes of the country and futher warnings are in place for today.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates.
Matt Mathers18 January 2023 10:42
Outlook for 30 Jan – 13 Feb
Looking even further ahead, forcasters say the weather will remain “changeable” but that the north and west are likely to experience the wettest conditions.
30 Jan – 13 Feb
The Met says:
“As we move into February, the most likely scenario is a continuation of changeable conditions, although confidence is low.
The wettest and windiest conditions will likely be in the north and west, whilst the southeast and east will probably be drier and more settled.
Temperatures are expected to be mostly around average or slightly above, although some brief colder spells could develop.”
Matt Mathers16 January 2023 15:30
We’re pausing our live updates for today.
Thanks for reading and join us again soon for all the latest weather news.
Have a good rest of afternoon.
Matt Mathers16 January 2023 15:22
Outlook for next week
Forecasters say more mixed weather is on the way next week, with temperatures near normal in the northwest but cold in the south and southeast.
21 -30 Jan
The Mat says:
“Over the weekend, a northwest-southeast split is likely to bring cloud and outbreaks of rain across western parts, while the southeast remains dry and bright with light winds.
The strongest winds are likely to be felt across the northwest, where wintry conditions are possible.
Temperatures near normal in the northwest, but rather cold or cold in the southeast. Into the end of January, changeable conditions are likely to persist with the most unsettled conditions in the north and west with a combination of strong winds and rain or showers at times.
Meanwhile, southern and eastern parts are expected to remain drier and more settled, although occasional rain is possible. Temperatures expected to be around average in the north and west, perhaps slightly below average in the south and east.”
Matt Mathers16 January 2023 15:09
Mapped: where snow could fall in the UK
A wintry Sunday night has already seen 5cm of snowfall build up in the Shetland Islands, with more showers expected in the next few days.
Here are the areas in the UK that could see snowfall this week. My colleague Maryam Zakir-Hussain reports:
Matt Mathers16 January 2023 14:55