UK snow latest: Weather forecast as heavy snow to hit Britain over weekend

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Heavy snow is expected on Saturday followed by a “rapid thaw” and rain on Saturday night in north-east and north-west England, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, and much of Scotland.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for the weather event and said there is a chance floodwater could cause danger to life, some rural communities could become cut off, and there may be travel disruption.

New yellow warnings for rain have also been published from Saturday to Sunday morning in south-west England and Wales.

Met Office spokesperson Andrea Bishop said: “A deep area of low pressure is expected to bring a spell of prolonged and, at times, heavy rainfall across a large part of the UK this weekend.

“Across south-west England, rain is expected to develop during Saturday morning with heavier rain likely later in the day and overnight into early Sunday morning.

“Fifty to 75mm of rain is expected to fall fairly widely during this time with a chance that some places over Dartmoor could see 100-125mm. Strong southerly winds will accompany the heavy rain and may locally exacerbate impacts.”

Until midday today : A snow and ice warning is in place for northern and parts of western Scotland

Until 10am today: An ice warning is in place for most of Scotland, the Midlands, the east, north-east and north-west of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Yorkshire.

Thursday at 5am to 3pm: A snow warning is in place for South West England.

Saturday morning to Sunday at 9am: A yellow snow and rain warning is in place for the north-east and north-west England, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, and much of Scotland.

Saturday at 6am to Sunday at 6am: A yellow warning for rain is place for south-west England and much of Wales.

A sharp rise in vehicle breakdowns has been reported as yellow snow and ice warnings continue in parts of the UK.

Many drivers’ batteries failed on Wednesday morning due to cold weather and snow across the country, the RAC said.

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis, said: “We’ve seen, as you would probably expect, a really sharp rise in breakdowns – predominantly from a lot of people’s batteries failing in the cold, which is inevitable.”

He recommended properly de-icing vehicles and ensuring the entire windscreen is clear, rather than rushing out of the house “with a tiny little space” to see the road.

“Adopt a cautious driving style” in areas with risk of black ice and “be gentle on the accelerator, never be tempted step on the brake” as it could cause issues on slippery roads, he added.

As the temperatures drop and the long nights start rolling in, it’s easy to feel like it’s all doom and gloom. But, says Katherine May, there’s great comfort to be found in winter – you just have to know how to make the most of the season

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The Alzheimer’s Society warned that cold weather can be “particularly challenging” for people with dementia.

“Colder temperatures can be difficult for a person with dementia to adjust to, and they may not always be able to communicate that they are cold – or they may not even recognise it themselves,” the charity said.

It urged people to do the following:

• Make sure the person is dressed appropriately – layers are key;
• Keep the room warm;
• Encourage regular movement;
• Make the most of natural daylight as decreased sunlight can cause someone with dementia to feel increased anxiety, confusion, and even depression;
• Keep to your routine as a big change in routine can cause someone with dementia to become confused or agitated;
• Be careful in icy weather. Perception issues can make it difficult for someone with dementia to see icy patches;
• Make sure they’re eating and drinking regularly.

It is safer not to drive in heavy snow and icy conditions but if you absolutely must drive, keep yourself and others safe by:

• Using dipped headlights
• Accelerate gently, use low revs and change to higher gears as quickly as possible
• Starting in second gear will help with wheel slip
• Maintain a safe and steady speed. Keep your distance from other vehicles
• Keep a constant speed up hills. Leave plenty of room between cars
• Use a low gear to go down hill and try to avoid braking unless necessary
• Steer into skids. Do not take your hands of the wheel or slam on the brakes

There are currently three yellow weather warnings in place across the country.

The first is a snow and ice warning in place for northern and western Scotland which expires on Thursday at midday before the region is subject to another warning on Saturday and Sunday.

There are also two yellow ice warnings in place until Thursday at 10am for most of Scotland, the Midlands, the east, north-east and north-west of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Yorkshire.