Keen swimmers brave freezing snow as they take a dip in chilly water despite yellow weather warnings

KEEN swimmers braved the freezing conditions to go for an early morning dip today despite the yellow weather warnings for snow and ice.

A large group of intrepid women donned their swimming gear and hit the waves at Portobello beach near Edinburgh.

Euan Cherry

The women hit the waves first thing this morning despite the freezing temperatures[/caption]

Euan Cherry

The women were marking International Women’s Day and helping to raise money for Edinburgh’s Women’s Aid[/caption]

Euan Cherry

Temperatures at Portobello beach were freezing early this morning[/caption]

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Swimmers also gathered on King Edward’s Bay, near Tynemouth on the North East coast to mark the day[/caption]

Temperatures in the area were around 0C first thing, according to the Met Office.

The friends were celebrating International Women’s Day and helping to raise funds for the 50th anniversary of Edinburgh Women’s Aid.

The women took the plunge even though there are three yellow weather warnings for ice and snow covering large parts of the UK, including most of northern and eastern Scotland.

Freezing conditions were also felt in London this morning as swimmers took a dip in Hyde Park and snow could be seen falling.

Snow blanketed many parts of the country this morning and more is expected later today and in the coming days.

The white stuff has fallen as far south as Dorset.

Forecasters have issued three snow and ice warnings for across the UK today – the southeast and southwest of England, parts of Yorkshire and the North East, and northern Scotland, along with areas of Northern Ireland including Belfast.

Up to four inches is expected by the end of the day over higher ground.

Today is the second of four days hit with yellow weather alerts – with snow yet again expected across large parts of the UK tomorrow and on Friday.

The mercury plunged to -13.7C at Syre in the Scottish Highlands overnight, according to the latest temperature reported by the Met Office weather stations.

The Met Office warned: “Bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times possible.

“Power cuts may occur and other services may be temporarily affected.

“Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable with a chance of injuries from slips and falls on snow-covered or icy surfaces.”

The Sun has launched its campaign to celebrate women from all walks of life all around the world.

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One woman was obviously keen to go for an early morning dip in Scotland despite the freezing temperatures[/caption]

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The women braved the chilly sea to mark International Women’s Day and raise funds for Women’s Aid[/caption]

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One woman on Portobello beach donned a Wonder Woman costume to take a dip in the freezing-cold sea[/caption]

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The women were all smiles as they headed to the sea in Scotland[/caption]

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Early morning swimmers brave the cold at King Edward’s Bay, near Tynemouth on the North East coast[/caption]

Jeremy Selwyn

Snow was falling in London’s Hyde Park as these brave swimmers went for a dip today[/caption]