Use our latest weather map to find out where in London snow is forecast
Heavy snow has been forecast for large parts of the UK this week. Icy conditions will settle in London over the coming days, with wintry hazards predicted across the country.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather warning, effective from today (November 17), which will remain in place until Friday.
The plummeting temperatures and snow showers are set to start in the north and move towards the south by mid week.
The Met Office has confirmed that snow and ice are possible following a period of above-average temperatures, with high pressure expected to bring widespread cold conditions across the UK.
It says the most significant factor bringing in the colder weather is a change in wind direction.
The Met office says: “By Wednesday, we’ll all be firmly under the colder Arctic airmass, with a strong and very cold northerly flow making temperatures feel even colder.”
Deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree added: “Wednesday to Friday will be the coldest part of the week, and this period has the greatest potential for impactful weather, with multiple warnings in place. Overnight, temperatures could get down to minus ten, with a significant wind chill from the strong northerly wind making things feel even colder.
“Wintry snow showers are expected to extend south through Wednesday and into Thursday, mainly affecting north facing coastal areas. Snow accumulations are possible, including 2-5 cm to some low-lying areas in the north and east where showers are frequent. On hills in parts of Northern Ireland, the northeast of England and Scotland, 5-10 cm of snow could fall and accumulations of 15-20cm are possible above 300 metres in parts of northeastern England and Scotland.
“Although many places will see plenty of sunshine, daytime temperatures will be well-below average, with a widespread frost setting in during the evening, especially in sheltered areas.
“With sub-zero temperatures in the first ‘cold snap’ of the year, updates to the current warnings are possible, so its important people keep up to date with the forecast.”
You can check the forecast using our interactive weather map to see if snow is expected near you:
As winter conditions set in, the RAC has warned motorists to take extra care on the roads.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “There’s potential for freezing temperatures to make roads hit by heavy rain very slippery with a chance of ice.
“We expect breakdown volumes to be around 10% higher than what’s normal for this time of year, which equates to around 1,000 more people needing our help each day.
“Normal indicators of autumn, like fallen leaves on the road, can also become very hazardous in icy conditions as they create an extra layer between tyres and the road surface, increasing the likelihood of skidding.”
