Cold weather to continue

Sunrise over Ogden, Kitcliffe and Piethorne Reservoirs

A number of severe weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across the UK, with a  Level 3 Cold Weather Alert in place until Friday morning (20 January).

Met Office chief meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: “Cold air is continuing to push across the UK from the north and many areas have seen some snow, wintry conditions, and overnight frosts. National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued across parts of western England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland with more warnings likely to be issued over the coming days.”   

A Level 3 Cold Weather Alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), is in force for all of England until 9am on Friday 20 January. 

Dale Hipkiss, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as ice and snow and take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected. 

“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey, listen to the weather forecasts, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.  

“We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling during the autumn and winter period, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather. It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.” 

British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President, Justine Shotton, said: “As temperatures drop and conditions turn icy, it’s important to take a few extra precautions to protect our pets. Outdoor rabbit or guinea pig hutches should be protected from snow, rain and cold winds, whilst dogs and cats will need easy access to a cosy shelter indoors.

“Consider a coat for older dogs or those with thin fur to keep them warm during walks and always wipe your dog’s paws and belly on returning home to remove any grit, as it can be toxic if ingested. Antifreeze is a huge hazard for cats, so keep an eye out for signs of poisoning such as vomiting, depression, lack of coordination, seizures and difficulty breathing.”

“If you have any concerns about your pet in this cold weather, please speak to your local vet.”

There is lots of advice on the Met Office website on cold weather.

The cold spell will come to an end later this week and through the weekend across western areas, where it will turn milder and windier with some rain at times.