PARTS of the UK are under a yellow weather warning for severe ice and snow this morning.
The Met Office has placed a large swathe of Scotland under an alert for snow until 11am today.
And last night, Northern Ireland was placed under a similar weather warning for ice, which is in force until 10am.
Meanwhile, forecasters have painted a picture of a north/south divide in conditions across the UK today.
The Met Office said: "Rain, hill snow and gales crossing Scotland, followed by brighter skies and wintry showers.
"Wintry showers for some other western areas, but much of the south fine, if colder."
Read our weather live blog for the latest news and forecasts…
- Milica Cosic
Weather to turn after today
Today will be slightly brighter with nationwide highs of 8C, but the weather will take a turn once more come Friday.
Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir said: "The air will turn steadily colder over the next few days, culminating in a severe frost on Thursday night and into Friday.
"Before that though, we hang on to some milder conditions just to the south of this weather front as it sinks down to southern England and Wales through the next 24 hours.
"Further north, an area of low pressure will bring with it gales, if not severe gales, through Thursday.
"And we are likely to see some snow accumulations on the high ground, particularly in Scotland but even on the hills of Northern Ireland and Pennine Districts over the next few days associated with any showery bursts of rain and snow."
- Milica Cosic
All hell let loose
Manchester could also see around an inch of the white stuff, with the Midlands and Birmingham in for a smattering of flakes too.
But before that, Brits must battle "wintry showers, hail, thunder and gales".
Forecasters warn those living in Scotland will bear the brunt of the storms today before cloud and rain moves southeastwards this evening.
A yellow weather warning is in force from Glasgow to the Highlands where chaos on the roads is expected until at least 11am tomorrow.
Strong gusts will also hit coastal areas before hill snow arrives across the north.
- Milica Cosic
February to be 'snowiest month of the year'
FEBRUARY is looking set to be the "snowiest month of the year" as temperatures plummet across the UK.
The icy snap is set to strike on Friday when the mercury will plunge to a bone-chilling -10C.
It will be particularly glacial in parts of Scotland where forecasters predict widespread lows of -8C and the possibility of -10C, according to WXCharts.
The chilly conditions will bring bucketloads of snow, with a whopping 23 inches expected on the ground in Scotland by February 11.
- Louis Allwood
Temperatures predicted to drop
British Weather Services forecaster Jim Dale predicts temperatures will continue take a tumble, coming to a bitterly cold head on Friday.
He told The Mirror: "We're all in frost by Thursday morning – not necessarily some of the coastal fringes but generally -1C and -2C in most places.
"The main thing is that when we get to Friday, we could well be seeing -10Cs in the highlands.
"-7C, -8C, -9C, and -10C will be the diversity across in the valley areas – so proper cold. We'll all be cold on Friday morning.
"It is, on paper, the snowiest month of the year. And normally the first half is the coldest. So we're getting what it says on the packet."
- Louis Allwood
Edinburgh forecast for Friday to Sunday
Friday mainly dry and bright with some sunshine.
An unsettled weekend with spells of rain, heaviest across the southwest, and some brighter showery interludes, milder.
- Louis Allwood
London and Manchester forecast for today
It will continue to be cloudy with rain in southern parts of London Thursday morning, but dry and cloudy further north.
This clearing to leave sunny spells for all in the afternoon, but feeling chillier with a maximum temperature of 8 °C.
In Manchester we will see a few scattered showers which will continue on Thursday with sleet and snow over the hills.
After a bright start, skies will turn cloudier into the afternoon with a maximum temperature of 6 °C.
- Louis Allwood
Long range forecast for February 23 – March 9
Through the end of February, the unsettled weather is likely to continue. Lower pressure to the north and higher pressure to the south will result in westerly winds off the Atlantic.
Low pressure is likely to be in charge at first however, meaning showers or longer spells of rain for many parts of the UK, but especially the north, and strong winds too.
The driest conditions will probably be in the south.
Heading into March, the high pressure to the south may begin to build northwards, with an increasing chance of dry conditions spreading further north, with the most unsettled conditions increasingly confined to the far north.
Temperatures are most likely to be above average.
- Louis Allwood
What to expect from the latest warning
The Met Office have recently released a yellow weather warning for winds tomorrow, here is what you can expect.
- Some short term loss of power and other services is possible
- Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely
- Difficult driving conditions and possible delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges
Scotland hit with another weather warning
Scotland have been hit with a second weather warning this week.
Scots have already been warned of snow but now many will have to battle with strong winds that are inbound.
The warning will be in place from 3 am Thursday until midday.
- Louis Allwood
Forecast for 13-22 February
On Sunday a band of rain, heavy at times, is expected to spread southeastwards across the country, with showers following into the northwest of Scotland.
Strong winds are expected too, especially around coasts, and temperatures will be mild for all.
Into the following week and beyond, the unsettled weather is likely to continue.
Frequent showers and longer spells of rain are likely for most. Western hills and mountains will likely see the heaviest rainfall, and it is likely to be driest in the southeast.
The strong winds will continue with a risk of gales, especially across the north and west. There is a low risk of some disturbed weather at times. Temperatures generally near normal to mild.
- Louis Allwood
Friday will see the coldest temperatures
The icy snap is set to strike on Friday when the mercury will plunge to a bone-chilling -10C.
It will be particularly glacial in parts of Scotland where forecasters predict widespread lows of -8C and the possibility of -10C, according to WXCharts.
The chilly conditions will bring bucketloads of snow, with a whopping 23 inches expected on the ground in Scotland by February 11.
Manchester could also see around an inch of the white stuff, with the Midlands and Birmingham in for a smattering of flakes too.
But before that, Brits must battle "wintry showers, hail, thunder and gales".
Forecasters warn those living in Scotland will bear the brunt of the storms today before cloud and rain moves southeastwards this evening.
- Louis Allwood
What to expect from the current yellow weather warning?
There is currently a yellow weather warning for snow for the majority of Scotland.
Here is what you can expect:
- Some roads and railways likely to be affected, leading to longer journey times by car as well as by bus and train services
- Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
Yellow weather warning for snow
Showers will fall as snow to quite low levels on Wednesday evening and night.
Accumulations of 2-5 cm are possible above 200 metres elevation, with perhaps around 10 cm on some of the highest routes above 400 metres.
At lower levels some slight slushy falls are possible, as well as a risk of icy surfaces, before the snow becomes more confined to high ground during Thursday morning.
How to stay warm in bed during winter
With the frosty winter weather, it’s no surprise many of us are spending more time in bed to avoid the big chill.
UK-based Georgia Metcalfe, co-founder and creative director of The French Bedroom Company has come to the rescue and provided five tips that will keep you toasty throughout the next few cold months.
According to the sleep expert, the best temperature to help you nod off is around 18°C – and this can be achieved in the colder months by turning up the duvet tog.
“Choose a higher tog duvet of at least 13 which will retain as much heat as possible,” she explains.
“It will allow you to stay snuggly throughout the colder months, and you will never want to leave your boudoir as it keeps you wonderfully cosy.”
“If you want an added layer, place a velvet bedspread on top of your bed linen, or for something more luxurious, try cashmere.”
She went on to note that it’s easy to feel lethargic when the alarm goes off on a cold morning, but says you will feel more comfortable by changing the materials in your bed such as altering your bedwear to silk pyjamas and putting on a pair of soft socks as this will help you feel warmer, improving your sleep in the process.
Colds, coughs and flu aren’t the only reason to take care in the winter
We all associate the Winter with a runny nose, many layers and leafless trees, but we should be aware of much more.
The often icy ground makes the chances of slips, trips and falls much greater, which may be both embarrassing and leave us with more visible bruises than just our egos!
Wearing shoes with a strong grip can keep us upright and less prone to landing on our behind.
The cold weather can also affect older people, putting them at higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression and worsening arthritis.
It is important to keep warm in winter both inside and outdoors – eating regularly helps keep you warm.
And keep your bedroom window closed – breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections.
- Louis Allwood
Top tips to look after your car in the Winter
1. Keep your lights clean. This will maintain visibility for you, and ensure that other road users will be able to see you clearly.
2. Pay attention to your dashboard. Most people are unaware of what some of their icons mean, but they could be warning you about something that will protect you, your passengers and other road users. Take this test to find out how well you know your icons.
3. Assess your tyres. Make sure there is enough grip so that you aren’t struggling more than you need to brake on icy ground.
4. Check ant-freeze levels. Antifreeze stops the water in the engine’s cooling system from freezing, so make sure yours is topped up.
5. Check your brakes. Brakes should always be in working order, but especially in the Winter when it’s even harder to brake.
- Louis Allwood
Forecast for 11-20 February
On Friday, wintry showers likely to affect northern areas, becoming lighter and less frequent through the day, while elsewhere expected to be dry with plenty of sunshine.
Windy in the north initially, elsewhere likely much lighter than previous days. Heavy rain may return to the northwest and windy for most, with gales possible in the west and northwest at the weekend.
Through the rest of this period high pressure will likely dominate across most of the UK.
Rainfall will be limited at first with a risk of some wintry showers in the north and east, with an increasing chance of rain in western and northwestern areas later.
Temperatures likely to be near average with the potential for a brief colder interlude for northern and eastern parts.
- Louis Allwood
Britain to be blanketed in 17 INCHES of snow next week
The snowy snap is set to strike the day after Valentine’s Day, with parts of Northern England and Scotland predicted to be hit the worst.
According to WX Charts, Scots could see as much as 16.9 inches of snow piling up outside their front doors.
Towards the end of this week, Manchester and Edinburgh could also see around two centimetres of snow, forecasters said.
And in the Midlands, Birmingham could see a smattering of flakes too – around one centimetre, on Friday.
According to the Met Office, next week will also see wintry showers, sunshine and dry patches.
- Louis Allwood
Prepare your pipes for the cold weather and save £££
Cold weather can cause pipes to burst which can cause a lot to fix, but why does it happen?
Water coming into the house from outside is really cold so it makes the pipes contract and, in weaker areas, burst. So how to prevent this?
- Fix frozen and/or leaky pipes. If the water isn’t coming out of the tap and you have no leak elsewhere, the water is likely frozen in the pipe.
- Keep water running through the pipes. Consistent water running through the pipes can prevent the water freezing.
- Insulate all pipes in unheated areas like lofts, roofs, garages and outbuildings.
If you’re not sure what to do and you suspect a chance this may happen to you, call a plumber.
- Joseph Gamp
Pictured: Snow covered roads near Inverness, Scotland
Snow blizzards are currently battering Scotland and parts of northern england.
A weather warning for snow is in place across the north and south-central regions of Scotland.
The picture below show traffic battling through a blizzard on the A9 at Arpafeelie near Inverness.
NINTCHDBPICT000710604832Credit: Northpix - Joseph Gamp
Met Office: London forecast for Thursday
The Met Office summarises: "Continuing cloudy with rain in southern parts Thursday morning, but dry and cloudy further north.
"This clearing to leave sunny spells for all in the afternoon, but feeling chillier.
"Maximum temperature 8 °C."
- Joseph Gamp
What to expect from a yellow warning for ice
Wintry showers bring a risk of ice to Northern Ireland tonight, especially in the west and north.
These showers will continue in many places before becoming more confined to western counties later in the night.
This will bring a risk of icy patches, especially on untreated surfaces.
- Joseph Gamp
Yellow weather warning for ice in Northern Ireland
The Met Office has placed Northern Ireland under a yellow weather warning for ice.
The alert was placed at 6pm this evening and will be in effect until 10am on Thursday morning.
Motorists are being urged to take extra care as there a risk of icy patches.
- Joseph Gamp
Thursday to be milder – but weather to take a cold turn on Friday
Tomorrow Brits will enjoy brighter conditions, with nationwide highs of 8C.
However, the weather will take a turn once more on Friday and feel colder and more wintry.
Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir said: "The air will turn steadily colder over the next few days, culminating in a severe frost on Thursday night and into Friday.
"Before that though, we hang on to some milder conditions just to the south of this weather front as it sinks down to southern England and Wales through the next 24 hours.
"Further north, an area of low pressure will bring with it gales, if not severe gales, through Thursday.
"And we are likely to see some snow accumulations on the high ground, particularly in Scotland but even on the hills of Northern Ireland and Pennine Districts over the next few days associated with any showery bursts of rain and snow."
- Joseph Gamp
Mapped: Wind with heavy snow on Thursday
The Met Office has painted a bleak and chilly picture for Scotland tomorrow morning.
The weather agency tweeted: "Windy with heavy snow in parts of Scotland on Thursday morning and a risk of icy surfaces.
"Largely dry in the south with partly cloudy skies."
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