The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice across large parts of Gloucestershire, effective from the early hours of Friday through Saturday. This advisory alerts residents and travelers to expect slippery surfaces and challenging road conditions.
The cold snap will begin moving across the region around midnight, with temperatures dropping rapidly. By midday Friday, the chill will be unmistakable.
According to the Met Office: “An area of sleet and snow will sweep southeastward over parts of England and Wales, lasting approximately two to three hours per location. Snow accumulations could reach 1 to 2 cm, with isolated spots—particularly in higher elevations of north Wales, northwest England, and the northwest Midlands—possibly seeing up to 5 cm. Ice formation is also expected as precipitation falls on frozen surfaces, leading to quickly developing icy patches.”
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Here is the detailed forecast for Gloucester on Friday:
4 AM
A northwest breeze will pick up to gusts between 18 and 21 mph. While the air temperature will hover around 2°C, wind chill will make it feel closer to -2°C. Rain has a 70% probability, rising to 90% by 5 AM. The temperature will dip to 1°C between 7 AM and 9 AM, then climb slightly to 2°C by late morning, though gusts will maintain a colder sensation.
12 PM
Temperatures will peak near 3°C, the warmest point of the day. However, gusts up to 25 mph will keep it feeling below freezing, around -1°C.
1 PM
The windiest period arrives with sustained gusts reaching up to 25 mph, intensifying the cold for pedestrians.
2 PM
Winds ease slightly to 23 mph, and temperatures stabilize around 3°C. Rain chances fall below 5%.
3 PM
Conditions remain steady with no significant changes.
4 PM
As sunset approaches, temperatures will fall to 2°C, but wind chill will make it feel like -2°C.
5 PM
Temperatures continue dropping to 1°C, with a chilling feel of -3°C.
6 PM
The mercury drops further to between 0°C and 1°C in the absence of sunlight, and wind chill drops to -4°C.
7 PM
Actual temperature remains around freezing at 0°C, yet it will feel like -5°C outdoors.
8 PM
Temperatures dip to -1°C, with wind chill maintaining a frigid feel of -5°C throughout the night.
The Met Office strongly advises anyone venturing outside to proceed with caution. They offer the following safety tips:
- Allow extra time when leaving home—at least five minutes earlier—to avoid rushing and reduce accident risks.
- Walk on pavements alongside main roads which are more likely to have been treated to prevent slipping.
- Cyclists should also favor main, well-treated roads.
- Check updated road and public transport conditions frequently and adjust travel plans accordingly.
- Drivers should prepare for possible delays by carrying essentials such as warm clothing, food, water, blankets, a torch, ice scraper, warning triangle, high-visibility clothing, and a phone charger.
- Stay informed about changing weather warnings by following the latest updates from the Met Office.
With hazardous conditions expected, thorough preparation and caution are key to staying safe in Gloucestershire over the coming days.