UK weather forecast: Exact date SNOW will hit Britain 'in February' REVEALED amid Met Office cold alert for -7C blast

FORECASTERS have given an EXACT date of when snow is predicted to fall in the coming weeks as temperatures plunge amid a Met Office cold alert.

The Met Office has warned about a "severe frost" while chief meteorologist for Weathertrending, John Hammond, predicts UK could see snow from this Thursday, January 27.

"Briefly on Thursday a pulse of Arctic air will clip some northern and eastern areas, bringing some wintry showers to the Scottish mountains and perhaps the highest parts of northern England."

He added: "There are signs of a more lively start to February – it looks wetter and windier at times than for much of the previous month.

"We may see colder weather start to make more definite inroads from the north through the early days of the new month, turning some of that rain to snow."

Read our weather live blog for the latest news and forecasts

  • Louis Allwood

    Tyre pressure in the winter

    Deflated tyres could be dangerous to drive in regardless of what the weather is doing.

    A common motoring myth is that flat tyres give you better traction in the snow – but this isn't true.

    A properly inflated tyre will have more grip on the road, preventing skidding and letting you brake in good time.

    During the colder months, tyres can lose pressure much more quickly. 

    You can find the correct pressure your tyres should be inflated to in your manual or the driver's side door.

    Don't forget to check the tread too – it needs to be a minimum of 1.6mm deep across three-quarters of the tyre's width, and experts recommend 3mm to be on the safe side.

    Having bald tyres could get you a fine of £2,500 per tyre – that's £10,000 if all four tyres don't meet the rules.

    The RAC recommends checking your tyres at least once a week during the winter.

  • Louis Allwood

    UK weather forecast for today and tonight

    Cold and cloudy but dry for most areas today.

    A few bright or sunny spells are likely in some areas, mainly eastern Scotland, northeast England and, perhaps, parts of Wales.

    Thicker cloud will bring northern Scotland rain at times.

    Most areas remaining cold and cloudy tonight, cloud over parts of northern Scotland thick enough for some rain at times.

  • Louis Allwood

    Cold weather impact on the elderly

    Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at the UKHSA, has urged Britons to remind elderly neighbours to heat their homes.

    “Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

    “Remind vulnerable relatives and neighbours to heat their home to at least 18C – particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 or older, or have a health condition.

    “Should they need to go outside, it’s important for them to wear shoes with a good grip.”

  • Louis Allwood

    Next month could be coldest February on record, say bookies

    Next month could be the coldest February on record, according to Ladbrokes.

    The bookies now make it just a 3/1 shot for the coldest February EVER to be recorded this year, with temperatures soon set to tumble.

    Elsewhere, 2/1 says this ends up being the coldest winter since records began.

    Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “With a big freeze set to batter all four corners of the UK, the odds suggest we’re in for some record-breaking low temperatures in the coming weeks.”

  • Louis Allwood

    Arctic air headed for UK next week

    John Hammond, chief meteorologist for Weathertrending, told The Sun that a quick blast of arctic air is headed for the UK next week, as winter isn’t over yet.

    He said: “Briefly on Thursday a pulse of Arctic air will clip some northern and eastern areas, bringing some wintry showers to the Scottish mountains and perhaps the highest parts of northern England.”

    John added that the UK could be in for a more turbulent February, with a mix of wet, and windy weather with even more early signs of snow.

    He said: “There are signs of a more lively start to February – it looks wetter and windier at times than for much of the previous month.

    “We may see colder weather start to make more definite inroads from the north through the early days of the new month, turning some of that rain to snow.”

  • Louis Allwood

    Weather outlook Monday to Wednesday

    Mainly dry and often fairly cloudy for most, but occasional sunshine in the east.

    Some rain in the northwest, especially in the northwest of Scotland.

    Temperatures near normal for January.

  • Louis Allwood

    Long range forecast – January 31 to February 14

    The Met Office in its long-range forecast has predicted snow could fall towards the end of January into early February.

    From January 31 to February 14, the Met Office warns that “some colder interludes remain possible, bringing a risk of occasional snow, this most likely over northern hills.”

    The week beginning February first will see grim weather, and the coldest parts of winter still to come.

  • Louis Allwood

    Is it illegal to leave your car engine running to defrost your windscreen?

    If you leave your engine running while your motor is stationary on the road, it could land you in hot water.

    “Stationary idling” is an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which means leaving the car running is off-limits.

    The Act enforces rule 123 of the Highway Code which states: “You must not leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.”

    So, defrosting your windscreen by leaving the engine and heating on is actually against the law.

    However, this law doesn’t mean you have to turn your engine off at every red light, as it is simply aimed at unnecessarily idling vehicles to help reduce noise and air pollution.

  • Louis Allwood

    Top tips

    5. Driving on ice — When the temperature drops towards freezing, be wary of black ice. Drive slowly and avoid breaking where possible as this can cause the car to spin out of control.

    6. Know when to stop — If visibility becomes extremely poor, drive carefully until it is safe to stop at a nearby petrol station, service station or safe location (such as a lay-by) until visibility increases. Avoid the hard shoulder as the chances of an incident occurring there are much higher in the winter months.

    7. How to drive in snow — If your car gets stuck while driving in snow, take your foot off the accelerator and avoid spinning your tires. Instead, try the rocking manoeuvre which might give you enough momentum to drive out.

    8. The highway code — Ensure that you consult the Highway Code which applies in England, Scotland and Wales, or the Highway Code for Northern Ireland and see rules 226 to 237 for further advice on driving in adverse weather conditions.

  • Louis Allwood

    Top tips for safe winter driving

    1. Drive slow — Speed limits indicate the maximum speed that should be travelled on that type of road. Depending on the type of vehicle you are driving and the current weather conditions, you may need to slow down.

    2. Allow extra space — Stopping distances can increase to more than double during bad weather. Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front allows more time to plan and brake as required.

    3. Driving in fog — Before entering fog, it’s important to switch fog lights on, check your mirrors and slow down. Fog creates low levels of visibility, so remember to stay cautious of other drivers who may not be using headlights and keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front.

    4. Loss of control — If the steering becomes unresponsive, it is likely that the tyres don’t have enough grip on the road. The best way to deal with this is to ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. You should switch to winter tyres before the winter period, to increase the amount of grip you have while driving.

  • Louis Allwood

    How to drive safely in icy conditions as temperatures plummet

    With the bitterly cold weather sweeping the UK, it’s important that drivers take care and are well prepared before they take to the roads on frosty mornings. 

    Emergency transport specialists CMAC Group have put together an expert advice piece on how to prepare for driving in wintery conditions, ideal for commuters and workers who rely on driving for work.

    Before winter begins we recommend that all vehicles are fully serviced, ensuring:

    • All lights are clean and working
    • The battery is charged
    • All windows are clean
    • Windscreen wipers are in good working order
    • Appropriate screen wash is used
    • Tyres are free from bulges and tears with no cord exposed, correctly inflated and with a safe tread depth
    • All fluids are topped up and antifreeze used where required
    • Winter tyres have been installed

    Bitter chill may not last much longer

    The bitter chill may not last for much longer.

    Some weather models are suggesting signals for cold next month are getting weaker.

    It means that if the high pressure continues, there could be some balmier weather on the way.

    Emphasising that the forecast isn't clear enough yet to make an accurate prediction, Brian Gaze of The Weather Outlook said: "I wonder if we could have an early taste of spring?"

    But before warmer days return, it's predicted that snow will fall in London before the end of the winter.

    Flurries are expected to hit the capital on February 9.

    Parts of Scotland and the north-east will face a battering on January 28.

    Parts of country to see snow soon

    Some places will soon see snow as the freezing blast holds the country in its grip.

    Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said: “There will be Arctic air streaming down from the north delivering snow showers, particularly in the far north-east of the country."

    However, in most places it'll stay cold and mostly bright for the rest of the month.

    'Cold weather can have a serious impact on health'

    Agostinho Sousa, a consultant at the UK Health and Security Agency, said the cold can have a deadly toll.

    "Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections," he said.

    "Remind vulnerable relatives and neighbours to heat their home to at least 18C – particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 or older, or have a health condition.

    "Should they need to go outside, it's important for them to wear shoes with a good grip."

    • Experts reveal ‘heating hacks’ to save money as temperatures dropThe heating experts at PlumbNation highlight the importance of heating your home, especially when the temperature drops below freezing:“During periods of cold weather, the water in your pipes freezes and expands, which can lead to a build-up of pressure and end up bursting your pipes. Then when the ice starts to thaw out the water floods out, and this can end up costing thousands to fix (a lot more than your heating bill!). “Using a thermostat with a timer offers a simple and speedy solution to controlling your heating effectively and is a better option than leaving your heating on low all day, as this isn’t considered to be an effective form of heating.“There are other ways to stop your pipes from freezing, such as buying inexpensive pipe lagging and tank jackets to provide insulation.”Expert Tips to Save Money on Your Heating:
      1. Upgrade your thermostat
      2. Stop draughts! 
      3. Add an extra layer (or two!)
      4. Introduce soft furnishings
      5. Turn your thermostat down By 1°C 
      6. Clean your radiators
      7. Don’t dry your clothes on your radiator 
      8. Check your radiator covers
      9. Get your boiler serviced 
    • Louis Allwood

      Top tips on defrosting your windscreen during the winter

      Mix up a solution of water with a teaspoon of salt and pour it over icy areas

      A mixture of three parts of vinegar to one part of water will also do the trick

      DON’T pour boiling water onto frozen car windows

      DON’T use anything other than a car-specific scraper to remove the frost

      Prevent windscreen frost by soaking an old towel in a solution made up of water and table salt, or a mix of one part of water and two parts of alcohol, then place it over your car windows the night before.

    • Louis Allwood

      How should you prepare for safe driving in snow?

      Before heading off in the snow, plan your journey carefully and keep up-to-date with local weather reports. You should also:

      • Allow more time than you usually would and ensure all the snow is clear from your vehicle.
      • It is actually against the law to drive with snow on your car.
      • Carry a lock de-icer with you to clear your locks.
      • Make sure any auto wiper control is switched off before turning the ignition on.
      • If they are frozen to the screen the control fuse will blow.
      • Check your tyres for adequate tread so the grip is sufficient. If conditions are very bad you may want to consider using snow socks or chains.
      • Use a good screenwash that protects down to at least -35C to prevent the water from freezing.

      Being gentler on the throttle and brakes and slowing down, particularly on rural or ungritted routes, can help ensure a safe and trouble-free journey, advises the RAC.

      Useful tips to stay warm in the winter

      Brits are set for a winter freeze with forecasters predicting temperatures as lows as -3C, so it’s important you wrap up warm!

      1. Dress for warmth
      2. Heat up your living area
      3. Double-check your insulation and cracks
      4. Take advantage of natural heat – during the day open the curtains and blinds and letting in the natural sunlight
      5. Keep your bed warm – you can just opt for placing hot water bottles wrapped in a fleece or wool cover
      6. Keep your metabolism running

      Weather outlook Monday to Wednesday

      Mainly dry and often fairly cloudy for most, but occasional sunshine in the east.

      Some rain in the northwest, especially in the northwest of Scotland.

      Temperatures near normal for January.

      Experts reveal ‘heating hacks’ to save money as temperatures drop

      The heating experts at PlumbNation highlight the importance of heating your home, especially when the temperature drops below freezing:

      “During periods of cold weather, the water in your pipes freezes and expands, which can lead to a build-up of pressure and end up bursting your pipes. Then when the ice starts to thaw out the water floods out, and this can end up costing thousands to fix (a lot more than your heating bill!). 

      “Using a thermostat with a timer offers a simple and speedy solution to controlling your heating effectively and is a better option than leaving your heating on low all day, as this isn’t considered to be an effective form of heating.

      “There are other ways to stop your pipes from freezing, such as buying inexpensive pipe lagging and tank jackets to provide insulation.”

      Expert Tips to Save Money on Your Heating:

      1. Upgrade your thermostat
      2. Stop draughts! 
      3. Add an extra layer (or two!)
      4. Introduce soft furnishings
      5. Turn your thermostat down By 1°C 
      6. Clean your radiators
      7. Don’t dry your clothes on your radiator 
      8. Check your radiator covers
      9. Get your boiler serviced 

      Exact date white stuff will return 

      Temperatures dropped as low as -7C yesterday in one of the coldest weeks this winter, as experts are predicting that snow could arrive as early as next weekend.

      The Met Office has warned of a ‘severe frost’ and icy conditions for today's forecast a deep freeze sets in, across large areas in England and Wales.

      And forecasters are now suggesting that Scotland and the Northeast of England could see snow from this Thursday, January 27.

      The Met Office has also said there could be more flurries within the fortnight.

      • Milica Cosic

        An early taste of spring soon?

        The bitter chill may not last for much longer.

        Some weather models are suggesting signals for cold next month are getting weaker.

        It means that if the high pressure continues, there could be some balmier weather on the way.

        Emphasising that the forecast isn't clear enough yet to make an accurate prediction, Brian Gaze of The Weather Outlook said: "I wonder if we could have an early taste of spring?"

      • Milica Cosic

        Long-range forecast for February 3 – 17

        The long-range forecast for February 3 to 17 reveals: “Early February is likely to see a north/south split with more settled and cloudy weather expected in the south.

        “There is an increased likelihood of more unsettled conditions becoming established.

        "Temperatures are likely to be near or slightly above average although short-lived colder interludes are possible."

        Forecaster Clare Nasir said: “There will be Arctic air streaming down from the north delivering snow showers, particularly in the far north-east of the country."

        Meanwhile, WXCharts says there's a stern chance for snow in northern parts of Scotland throughout next week.

      • Milica Cosic

        Wetter and wilder week ahead

        The weather will be mostly cloudy from Tuesday, with rain and showers moving southwards on Thursday.

        According to John Hammond, chief meteorologist for Weathertrending, there are signs of "a more lively start to February".

        He said: "It looks wetter and windier at times than for much of the previous month.

        "We may see colder weather start to make more definite inroads from the north through the early days of the new month, turning some of that rain to snow."

        The Met Office has said there could be more snow flurries within the fortnight.

      • Milica Cosic

        A more turbulent February

        John Hammond, chief meteorologist for Weathertrending, said a quick blast of arctic air is headed for the UK this week.

        The forecaster added Brits could be in for a more turbulent February, with a mix of wet, and windy weather with even more early signs of snow.

        Mr Hammond told The Sun: "Briefly on Thursday a pulse of Arctic air will clip some northern and eastern areas, bringing some wintry showers to the Scottish mountains and perhaps the highest parts of northern England."

        Until then, things will stay cloudy and cold in the south on Monday while Northeast England, eastern Scotland and Northern Ireland are set to feel brighter and milder.

        Source: Read Full Article

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