The Met Office has issued an ice warning for the South West, including Gloucestershire, Bristol, and parts of Somerset, as temperatures are set to plunge overnight on Wednesday, 19 November. Forecasters predict that rain and hail will fall through the night before freezing on untreated surfaces, creating potentially dangerous icy patches by morning.
From midnight until 11am, residents can expect a mix of rain, hail, and snow—particularly on higher ground such as the Cotswolds, where heavy snow is forecast early Wednesday morning. Snowfall is likely around 4:30am, with significant accumulations expected near Bourton-on-the-Water and Cirencester around 5am, although this may be quickly replaced by rain and hail.
The cooling temperatures, dropping to around 0-1°C, will contribute to the formation of ice on roads and pavements, increasing the risk of slipperiness, especially in elevated areas above 300 meters where compact snow may linger on grassy surfaces and transport routes.
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In addition to the South West, cold weather warnings are also in effect across Devon, Cornwall, and several northern regions. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather alert covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber, valid until Friday.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree highlighted that Wednesday to Friday will see the coldest temperatures of the week, with overnight lows possibly dropping to minus ten degrees Celsius. Strong northerly winds will worsen the chill factor, making conditions feel significantly colder.
Wintry showers are expected to affect north-facing coastal areas, with snow accumulations ranging from 2-5 cm in low-lying northern and eastern regions to 15-20 cm on hills above 300 meters in parts of northeastern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Despite some sunshine during the day, widespread frost will settle each evening, especially in sheltered locations.
Authorities advise residents to stay informed with the latest weather updates and to take appropriate precautions during this first cold snap of the season.