Hundreds of schools across Scotland remain closed due to severe snow, with some closures extending into a fourth day. The UK is experiencing a significant cold spell, with temperatures plunging below freezing.
The Met Office recorded temperatures as low as -13.6°C at Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands and -11°C in England. Tuesday marked the coldest night of the winter, with Dalwhinnie in the Scottish Highlands hitting -14°C.
Weather warnings have been issued for snow and ice across northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and parts of England. An amber snow warning was in effect for northern Scotland, the Orkney, and the Shetland Islands until Thursday evening, with up to 20 cm of additional snow expected.
Travel warnings were issued as amber snow alerts forecast up to 20 cm of additional snowfall.A yellow wind warning for the UK will be active from Sunday morning, forecasting winds of up to 70 mph along coasts and 60 mph inland.
All schools in Orkney and Shetland have been closed since Monday, and in Aberdeenshire, around 130 schools were shut, with others delaying openings. Moray also saw nine schools and nurseries closed or operating on a staggered schedule.
Jason Kelly, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, predicted significant snowfall over the next few days, especially in northern Scotland, with potential blizzard conditions due to drifting snow.
Travel warnings are in place, urging people to plan journeys carefully and allow extra time for travel. Police Scotland and transport officials emphasize the importance of checking travel conditions before setting out.
In Northern Ireland, travel is only advised if necessary due to ungritted roads and a major public sector strike. As temperatures remain low into Friday, the weekend will bring milder, wetter, and windier conditions as Atlantic weather systems move in. Yellow rain warnings are expected to cover most of the UK on Sunday.