The Met Office has issued a warning that significant snowfall, up to eight inches in some areas, is expected across various parts of the country in the upcoming days. This forecast follows the emergence of a deep low-pressure system, named Storm Goretti by Meteo France, which is anticipated to bring about travel disturbances, power outages, and potential isolation of rural communities on Thursday and Friday.
Severe weather conditions have already led to the closure of numerous schools, with reopening unlikely until Monday. The recent temperature drop in Marham, Norfolk, reaching -12.5C, surpassing even Iceland’s temperatures, and -11C in the Scottish Highlands, has intensified concerns. The Met Office has issued daily weather warnings extending until Saturday, with the Midlands expected to bear the brunt of the cold spell. Regions like Worcestershire and Warwickshire are projected to accumulate up to eight inches of snow by midday Friday.
Parts of rural communities in these areas may face isolation, with similar challenges anticipated in southwest Wales, particularly the South Wales Valleys. The heaviest snowfall is predicted to occur on Thursday night before spreading eastward. Subsequently, snowfall is expected to become more widespread by early Friday morning, with Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire likely to experience the heaviest snowfall, while areas further north, including parts of North Yorkshire, may also receive snow accumulation.
Storm Goretti is anticipated to advance eastward, affecting the East Midlands and East of England by rush hour on Friday. Northamptonshire, for instance, could see around six inches of snow by Friday afternoon. According to Jason Kelly, the chief forecaster at the Met Office, additional snowfall is projected to move across central and northern Scotland, with amber warnings in place until the evening.
Moreover, cold Arctic air remains prevalent across the UK, with temperatures feeling as low as -12C on Friday. While temperatures may seem slightly warmer, the recent cold snap is evident, with Marham, Norfolk recording temperatures as low as -12.5C earlier this week. The country remains under yellow weather warnings for ice until Wednesday morning.
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