A blast of Arctic air is set to bring snow and icy conditions across various parts of Britain this week, including Gloucestershire, as temperatures drop sharply.
The UK is bracing for widespread cold weather, with a range of wintry hazards expected. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather warning effective from Monday through Friday, covering regions such as the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Met Office has confirmed that following a spell of warmer weather, a shift in wind direction will usher in widespread cold and the potential for snow and ice. This northerly airflow will drive temperatures down, ushering in frosts and chilly daytime highs.
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BBC Weather forecasts light snow for the east Cotswolds, particularly around Stow-on-the-Wold in the early hours of Thursday.
On Saturday, the UK experienced its coldest night since March, with temperatures plunging to -7°C in Tulloch Bridge, Highlands. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley explained that high pressure to the northwest is steering cold Arctic air over the UK. “This will lead to much colder conditions than recently, with dry spells but an increased risk of wintry hazards such as snow and ice,” he noted.
Widespread frosts are expected, with temperatures dipping as low as -7°C in some areas, and daytime highs lingering in single figures. Coupling this with brisk northerly winds will result in a marked wind chill across the country.
According to OpenWeather’s forecasts, snow showers could begin in parts of Scotland and the North East on Monday, with heavier snow predicted to extend across the UK from Tuesday onward. Areas ranging from Orkney in the north to Bodmin in Devon in the south may be affected.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution as winter conditions develop. The RAC advises drivers to be vigilant, especially as freezing temperatures and residual rain could create extremely slippery roads. Alice Simpson, RAC Breakdown spokesperson, warns, “We anticipate around a 10% increase in breakdowns, which means approximately 1,000 more people needing assistance daily. Additionally, autumn leaves on roads can worsen traction, increasing skid risks in icy conditions.”
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts closely and prepare accordingly for the arrival of wintry weather.