Cold Weather Warnings Have Been Issued Across the UK, With Forecasters Predicting ‘Persistent’ Rain

Cold weather warnings are still in effect for the coming days in the UK, with heavy snow and ice expected to give way to freezing wind and downpours.

Most of the country has been issued yellow weather alerts for ice until 8:30 a.m. today. Wind gusts and downpours are expected in the coming days, while hilly areas in the north should still expect snow.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued cold weather warnings until Thursday. The North East of England, the North West of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber are all on level 3 alert.

Freezing winds to blast Brits

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For the same time period, the West Midlands, East Midlands, and East of England are under level 2 alert, as per The Mirror.

"As cold weather persists throughout the rest of the week," said Dr. Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), "it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold."

Forecasters anticipate that more weather warnings will be issued throughout the week. "An Arctic maritime air mass has reasserted itself from the north, bringing with it another dose of snow and frosty nights for some," said Met Office Chief Forecaster Dan Suri.

The cold air is expected to linger in the far north of Scotland the longest, possibly until later in the weekend.

Rain is expected to be the main hazard on Thursday, with warnings issued as far south as South Wales. In the wettest areas, 100mm of rain is expected, with more rain expected on Friday.

The transition to milder air in the second half of the week may be welcome for some, but it brings with it wet and windy conditions as low-pressure moves in from the west, bringing some heavy and persistent rain to some western and northern areas, as well as some gusty winds, particularly for exposed coastal areas, according to Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Helen Caughey.

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Icy conditions set to continue across UK

The Met Office has issued several National Severe Weather Warnings for wind, snow, and ice, predicting a week of unpredictability in the UK, as per Independent.

The forecaster said in a new update on Monday that more warnings could be issued as the week progresses, with temperatures dropping to -2C in some areas.

Northern Ireland has been issued a yellow weather warning for ice and snow until 11 a.m. GMT on Tuesday. While much of northern and central England is also on high alert for snow.

Tuesday morning will see early rain in the south, with some sunshine and snow showers in several areas, particularly Scotland and Northern Ireland.

According to the Met Office, the weather will remain cold and breezy throughout the week as unsettled conditions persist. However, temperatures will begin to rise later in the week.

Looking ahead, much of the UK will become milder for a time, according to the forecaster, but colder conditions may linger across northern Scotland, bringing a continued risk of snow at times, primarily to higher ground, but possibly also to lower levels.

He adds that the second half of the week will see a shift toward milder, wetter, and windier conditions from the west.

This shift to milder weather will be preceded by snow in parts of northern England and Scotland later Wednesday, primarily on higher ground.

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