UK weather – Brits hit by Arctic blast with snow and ice warnings for TWO DAYS before being battered by heavy showers
BRITS are braced for an Arctic blast bringing more snow and ice before the country is battered by heavy showers later this week.
The Met Office currently have a number of yellow weather warnings in place for snow, ice and rain across most parts of the UK.
But the forecaster said gusts and downpours are expected to move in over the coming days, while hilly areas in the north should still expect snow.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Dan Suri said: “An Arctic maritime air mass has reasserted itself from the north, bringing with it another dose of snow and frosty nights for some.
“As we head through the second half of the week conditions turn milder, wetter and windier from the west.
“This change to milder conditions will be preceded by some snow over parts of northern England and Scotland later on Wednesday, mainly over higher ground.
“The far north of Scotland is most likely to hold on to the cold air the longest, possibly lingering until later in the weekend.”
The UK Health Security Agency cold weather alerts remains in place until Thursday.
The level 3 alert is in place for the North East of England, North West of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
On Thursday, heavy rain is expected in the north, particularly in northern Scotland.
It is likely that rain will be the main hazard on Thursday, with warnings issued in areas as southerly as South Wales.
100mm of rainfall is expected in the wettest areas, with further rain expected on Friday.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Helen Caughey said: “The transition to milder air in the second half of the week might be welcome for some, but it brings with it wet and windy conditions, as low-pressure moves in from the west, which will bring some heavy and persistent rain to some western and northern areas, as well as some gusty winds, especially for exposed coastal areas.”
Looking ahead to Friday to Sunday, the weather is expected to remain fairly unsettled and windy at times.
Although it will be mild for most on Friday and Saturday, colder conditions could continue to affect the far north of Scotland throughout.
Forecasters expect that more weather warnings could be issued for the remainder of the week.