Brits are being advised to brace for further wintry rainfall this weekend, as temperatures are set to plunge and snow mixes with a “rare phenomenon” known as nipping rain.
After a brief spell of milder conditions, the mercury is anticipated to drop as low as – 4 °C, bringing frost, icy roads, and scattered snow showers across the corridor of the UK.
Snow and Freezing Rain Across the UK
Foretellers say a band of low pressure moving southwards could spark nipping rain in the corridor of Scotland and northern England.
This unusual type of rain freezes on contact, creating slippery pavements and roads, while snow falls in areas where temperatures dip below freezing.
Weather charts show the wintry showers expected from Sunday night into Monday morning, with the early hours probably to be the trickiest for commuters.
Snow is anticipated to reach as far south as Greater Manchester, although major accumulations are doubtful in these southern areas.
Freezing Rain Could Cause Disruption in Northern UK
Northern regions are anticipated to bear the brunt of this rare rainfall. Areas including Scotland, Northumberland, Cumbria and County Durham may wake to icy roads, frost, and potential trip dislocations.
The Met Office highlighted the dangers, stating: “The weight of the ice can sometimes be heavy enough to bring down trees and power lines, and the glaze of ice on the ground effectively turns roads and pathways into an ice rink. The freezing rain can also prove extremely hazardous for aircraft.
Freezing rain is more common in other parts of the world, for example, in the USA, where weather systems produce a lot of freezing rain.
These are called ice storms, and if enough glaze collects on trees or power lines, the weight of the ice can cause them to break and can result in disruption on a large scale.”
For residents, this means redundant caution is demanded during the morning commute, particularly for those travelling through icy conditions or pastoral areas where roads may not be gritted.
Snowfall Set to Hit Scotland and Northern England
Snowfall is anticipated to come more widely during Monday’s early hours, with the heaviest snow prognosticated in south Lancashire, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, and Argyll and Bute.
The UK has seen surprisingly mild temperatures in recent days, reaching up to 16C in Hawarden, north Wales, but foretellers advise that cold air from the North Atlantic, combined with strong breezy winds, will return the typical late- afterlife bite to much of the country.
Weekend UK Weather Forecast: What to Expect?
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates said there is some uncertainty over the exact path of the low-pressure system: “Confidence is high that the weekend will be unsettled, but there remains some uncertainty over the exact track of the low-pressure system.
Small shifts in its path could significantly affect where the heaviest rain and strongest winds occur. This means that while some areas may experience disruptive conditions, others could see much less severe impacts.”
With cold rainfall, snow showers, and inclement weather anticipated, trippers and drivers are being prompted to take preventive measures. From slippery pavements to downtime hazards like downed branches and icy roads, medication is crucial.
Indeed, casual walks around your neighbourhood may bear redundant care, as the combination of frost and nipping rain can turn pathways into an ice rink.
Tips for Staying Safe in UK Winter Weather
- Check local UK weather forecasts regularly for updates.
- Allow extra time for commuting and consider avoiding travel during peak icy conditions.
- Keep pathways and driveways clear of ice where possible.
- Be mindful of falling branches or power lines in areas affected by freezing rain.
