Exact day Britain’s -5C arctic blast will END – but there’s more danger-to-life weather warnings to get through first
THE exact day that Britain’s arctic blast will end has been revealed – but only after a series of danger-to-life weather warnings over the weekend.
The Met Office has placed the whole of Britain under yellow and more serious amber alerts as subzero temperatures wreak travel chaos and disruption.
Forecasters have predicted warmer weather is set to return on Monday December 19, with highs reaching 14C.
But in the meantime, Scotland has been issued with yellow weather warnings for snow, ice and fog tomorrow.
The Met Office are warning that rural communities could become cut off and power cuts may occur.
The entirety of the UK has been handed a yellow weather warning, ranging from rain to ice.
Manchester has even been given an amber warning, which is more serious than yellow, for ice on Sunday.
The Met Office said people can expect: “Injuries from slips and falls and danger to life on icy surfaces are possible.
“Dangerous driving conditions may occur, leading to road traffic collisions, road closures and longer journey times; while pavements and cycle paths may become impassable.”
Brits should also anticipate bus, train and air travel delays with cancellations.
This comes as the arctic blast has already caused severe delays at Manchester Airport after it was forced to close both runways due to heavy snowfall.
And more flights are expected to be cancelled across the UK, affecting British Airways, Ryanair and Wizz Air passengers.
Meteorologists also say there is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have also issued a level three cold weather alert as the cold snap could “increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services”.
However, even after this cold snap moves past the UK, Brits are not in the clear.
Peter Jenkins, director of campaigns at Water UK, advised that the rise in temperature could cause burst pipes.
He said: “The recent freezing weather has been very disruptive to many people.
“The last thing we want is for people to experience further disruption as temperatures rise this weekend, putting many homes at risk of burst pipes due to freeze-thaw.
“That’s why we’re urging everyone to check their water pipes are well insulated now and to follow our simple tips to protect homes against weather conditions.
“If you’re concerned about the impact of freeze-thaw or the cold weather, we encourage you to get in touch with your water company for further help and advice.”
Forecasters have predicted torrential rain on Monday and yellow rain warnings cover areas near Cardiff, Brighton, Portsmouth and Plymouth.
This will mean even more travel chaos and disruption.
There is also a chance some homes and businesses will flood, according to the Met Office.
This comes after a street in Camden, London, was flooded yesterday after a mains pipe burst.
Footage showed emergency service workers, dressed in orange high-vis suits, with an emergency dingy and around 20 people were evacuated to safety.