Millions of Britons are preparing for a cold snap as forecasters issue new ice warnings. The Met Office has issued a yellow ice warning for southern England and south Wales, effective from 3 pm Monday to 3 am Tuesday.
This follows Rishi Sunak’s visit to Oxford, where residents are still recovering from Storm Henk’s heavy rain and high winds.
On Monday morning, London and the southeast experienced icy conditions, sleet, and snow showers.
In the Scottish Highlands, temperatures fell to -8°C, and they are expected to remain below average throughout the week. Southern parts of the UK could see ice and light snow, potentially leading to hazardous road conditions.
The Environment Agency (EA) predicts ongoing significant flooding along the lower River Trent on Monday, with minor impacts extending along the Thames and Severn Rivers until Wednesday.
Flooding impacts persist; UKHSA warns of health risks due to extreme cold temperatures.Groundwater flooding is also anticipated in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and potentially other southern areas and Yorkshire.
Stephen Dixon from the Met Office explained that cold air from the north and east has replaced the previous wet conditions. While clear skies and occasional sunshine are expected, up to 2cm of snow might fall on higher grounds like Dartmoor.
He advised travelers to plan routes carefully and be cautious of potential hazards, suggesting using higher gears and reducing speed.
Temperatures could drop to -9°C in the Scottish Highlands by Tuesday night, with daytime highs expected to be 6°C in the south and 8°C in the north.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold health alert for the northwest, Midlands, southwest, and southeast England, highlighting the increased risk of health issues from the cold, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The EA reported around 2,000 flooded properties, with 149 flood warnings and 149 alerts across southern England, the Midlands, and Yorkshire.
Sunak defended the government’s flood protection efforts, citing a £5.2 billion investment in flood defenses and the deployment of over 1,000 EA personnel and 200 pumps.