The UK is bracing for a huge cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to 0°C and below in some parts, leading to hundreds of school closures and possible travel chaos. As the nation prepares for the arrival of Storm Bert this weekend, authorities have issued warnings about severe weather conditions expected to impact various regions. In Scotland over 100 schools have been affected by overnight snow, resulting in delays or closures. Aberdeenshire has been particularly impacted, with many primary and secondary institutions either delayed or closed. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for much of north and west Scotland, predicting frequent snow showers, possible hail, and icy conditions today and over the weekend, the BBC reports . The weather conditions are expected to cause significant problems.
Storm Bert is set to hit the UK this weekend
(Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, in North Wales, 30 schools have also been shut. It’s not just the Northern areas of the UK which have been affected, either: In Devon and Cornwall , almost 200 schools have been closed or partially closed due to the snow. Snow has also been falling in the New Forest and South Downs. There’s more snow set to come. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings in anticipation of Storm Bert’s impact. An amber “danger to life” warning for snow and ice is in place for parts of central Scotland from 7 am to 5 pm on Saturday. More yellow warnings for wind and rain have been issued for broader areas, so expect heavy snow and ice, potential travel interruptions, and possible power cuts, reports The Sun . The storm is also likely to create dangerous conditions on roads and pavements. The Met Office has also issued yellow warnings for rain from Saturday to Sunday morning for south-west England and Wales, with the possibility of up to 150mm of rain and wind gusts of 40-70mph. Storm Bert, the second named storm of the season, follows a week of freezing temperatures and snow, which has caused disruptions in northern areas, including schools being closed and problems with roads and trains, with more disruptions expected from the wintry conditions.
Snow has affected various parts of the UK, with more to come
(Image: PA)
Then, as the storm brings milder air, it will also cause a rapid thaw of snow, leading to potential flooding and more travel problems. This week, the AA issued a warning that drivers should be careful before making any journeys, and that they should check weather forecasts and drive with “extreme caution”. The Met Office previously warned of the exact date that more snow is set to return, with freezing temperatures set to continue to grip the UK. Dog and cat owners should also take special care, as the RSPCA has issued an important cold weather warning for pets in light of the wintry weather.
Snowy conditions have affected much of the UK
(Image: PA)
People playing with a sledge on a hill overlooking the City of Bradford
(Image: Getty Images)
