The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice, impacting much of Gloucestershire from the early hours of Friday through to Saturday. Drivers and pedestrians alike are urged to exercise caution as slippery conditions are expected to develop on roads and pavements.
Starting around midnight, an influx of sleet and snow will move southeast across the region, with snow accumulations of 1 to 2cm likely and up to 5cm possible in higher ground areas. Ice formation is also anticipated as precipitation settles on frozen surfaces, leading to hazardous icy patches.
Here is the hour-by-hour breakdown for Friday in Gloucester:
READ MORE: Ipswich Town Recall Defender Jacob Mazionis from Cheltenham Loan
READ MORE: Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Build New Cotswolds Home Under Unique Planning Exemption
4 AM:
Temperatures will hover around 2°C, but with northwesterly winds gusting between 18-21 mph, it will feel closer to -2°C. Rain is expected with a 70% chance, rising to 90% by 5 AM.
7 AM - 9 AM:
Temperature dips to 1°C, wind remains brisk, maintaining the chill.
10 AM - 11 AM:
Temperatures slightly rise to 2°C but still feel colder due to the winds.
12 PM:
The warmest period, with a high of 3°C. Winds gust up to 25 mph, causing it to feel like -1°C.
1 PM:
Peak wind gusts of 25 mph make it the windiest part of the day, intensifying the cold sensation for pedestrians.
2 PM - 3 PM:
Winds ease slightly to 23 mph with temperatures steady at 3°C. Rain probability drops below 5%.
4 PM:
As the sun sets, temperatures fall to 2°C but the wind chill makes it feel like -2°C.
5 PM - 6 PM:
Temperatures drop further to between 0-1°C. With diminished sunlight and a northwest breeze, it will feel as cold as -4°C.
7 PM:
Temperature remains around 0°C but wind chill makes it feel like -5°C.
8 PM onwards:
Temperatures fall to -1°C with wind chill maintaining a bitter -5°C through the night.
The Met Office advises residents to plan ahead to avoid accidents: allow extra travel time, use main roads and pavements that are more likely to be treated, and stay updated on road conditions and public transport schedules. If driving, ensure your vehicle is equipped with essentials like warm clothing, food, water, a torch, an ice scraper, and a phone charger. Taking these precautions will help keep you and your family safe during this wintry spell.