An Arctic airmass will bring below-freezing temperatures, ice and the risk of snow to many parts of the country this week, the Met Office is warning.
A cold weather alert is in place from Monday morning (March 6) thanks to the arrival of a northerly airflow which is drawing icy air from the Arctic across England that could lead to widespread “disruptive conditions”.
Yellow weather warnings for ice and snow have already been issued for northern and eastern areas with early forecasts suggesting that, alongside freezing temperatures for all parts of the country, the worst of the weather could then track further south.
The River Stort near Grange Paddocks in December 2022. Picture: Sophia Spurgin
Deputy chief meteorologist Chris Almond said: “Very cold air will spread across the UK. This brings with it snow even to low levels in the north and east through Monday and Tuesday, and in excess of 10cm (4in) could accumulate, most likely on high ground in the north but also settling for a time at lower levels.
“With freezing overnight temperatures and the risk of ice, there’s a risk of some travel disruption, and wintry hazards are likely to persist through much of the week, even further south for a time.”
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Forecasters have been watching weather models closely since it emerged that a weather system known as a Sudden Stratospheric Warming – which brought England the Beast from the East in 2018 – had occurred again at the end of February, triggering the possibility for more winter storms in the following fortnight.
The Beast from the East in 2018 brought a prolonged spell of heavy snow and Arctic conditions
Level 2 and Level 3 cold weather alerts – which come jointly from the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – have been issued across England for the start of the week and will be reviewed and possibly extended in the coming days.
The early warnings help organisations like the NHS and local councils organise how they can ensure those vulnerable to the cold, such as the homeless or elderly, are properly taken care of.
Nationally, there are thousands of excess winter deaths every year caused by the cold. The alerts trigger actions across the NHS, public health, social care and other community organisations to support vulnerable people with health issues that can be made worse in wintry weather.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: “During periods like this, it is important to check in with friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather, as it can have a serious impact on health.
Cold weather alerts are in place for England
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18C if you can.”