THE UK is braced for an icy blast, with temperatures set to plummet as low as minus 16C, as a fresh amber snow warning has been issued.
Amber snow warning
The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for snow covering Somerset and Devon which remained in place until 9pm on Wednesday, January 8.
Snow and sleet began to hit southern England on Wednesday afternoon as the new amber alert came into force with the Met Office saying further warnings are likely to be issued as the week goes on.
The Met Office have since issued a yellow weather warning for ice covering Somerset and Devon from midnight to 10am on January 9 and also from 4pm on January 9 until 10am on January 10.
Dropping temperatures
Overnight, temperatures are set to drop sharply, with sub-zero temperatures expected across the country including Somerset and Devon.
Minimum temperatures of minus 16C could be reached in certain parts of the UK on Thursday night, the Met Office said.
Oli Claydon, spokesman for the Met Office, told the PA news agency it will be “bitterly cold” on Thursday night.
Amber alerts issued by UKHSA extended
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its cold weather health alert for all of England until Sunday.
Amber alerts issued on Thursday have been extended and will now run until January 12, meaning a rise in deaths is likely, the agency said.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: “We are extending the duration of our Cold-Health Alert, since the Met Office are forecasting that the low temperatures we are seeing will continue further into this week, with snow and icy conditions likely to persist.
“This weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital that we continue to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
Travel disruptions
The Met Office has warned that snow and icy patches in these areas could lead to some travel disruption.
As icy conditions persist, motorists are being urged to stick to major roads that are most likely to have been gritted.
Car insurer RAC said it has seen the highest levels of demand for rescues in a three-day period since December 2022.
“Cold conditions will last until at least the weekend, so we urge drivers to remain vigilant of the risks posed by ice and, in some locations, snow,” said RAC breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson.
“Black ice on rural roads can be impossible to spot, leaving very little time to react if driving at speed. Sticking to major roads that are most likely to have been gritted is strongly recommended.”
Police in Devon and Cornwall have urged drivers to wait until the snow on Wednesday afternoon passes to carry out their journeys unless they are necessary.
In a post on X, Devon and Cornwall Police said snowfall is being reported in the counties and more bursts are on the way.
The Met Office has warned of travel disruption caused by the snow and said some vehicles and passengers could become stranded.
Power cuts are also likely, the national weather service said, and delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are also expected.
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