A yellow weather warning has been issued for London as the city braces for a significant snowfall this weekend. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for three days of snow, starting from midday on Saturday, January 4, until 9 AM on Monday, January 6. This warning applies to most of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland, except the South West region.
The anticipated snowfall is expected to bring about 5 cm across London and the Midlands, while higher elevations in Wales and the Pennines could see between 20-30 cm. Temperatures are predicted to plummet, reaching daytime lows of 4°C and nighttime lows dipping to -2°C. The last recorded snowfall in London was December 12, 2022, when Northolt reported 1 cm on the ground.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold health alert (CHA) for all regions of England from midday on Thursday until midday next Wednesday.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan emphasized that while a large snow warning is in place, it does not guarantee snow for every area within the warning zone. He stated, “It’s going to start as snow in many places, but it’s a question of how quickly that snow melts and turns back to rain.” This variability raises concerns about potential impacts on travel and daily life.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA said, “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions. It is, therefore, vital to check in on friends, family, and neighbours who are most vulnerable.”
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
The amber alert was also issued, which means the cold weather conditions will impact the “whole health service,” and “the whole population is at risk.”
There are warnings of possible school closures, power outages, and disrupted transport services. The Met Office has advised travellers to remain vigilant and stay updated on forecasts.
In addition to snow warnings, the UK has been experiencing heavy rain and strong winds, leading to flooding in various regions. Over 170 flood warnings are currently active across England, Scotland, and Wales. Greater Manchester has declared a major incident due to widespread flooding caused by recent downpours. The Met Office has also issued a yellow wind warning for gusts reaching up to 75 mph, particularly affecting coastal areas.
Residents are urged to exercise caution during this period of severe weather. Morgan cautioned against travelling through flooded areas and advised people to avoid swollen rivers. With these conditions set to unfold over the weekend, Londoners should prepare for a potentially challenging start to January as winter weather takes hold across the capital.
