Warnings issued for cold and wintry weather

Through Friday, southern parts of the UK remain dry with some sunshine, though some frost and fog are possible again overnight. Further north, conditions will turn windier, with gales in the far north, ahead of a band of rain arriving from the northwest. This will usher in colder air and wintry showers across northern mainland Scotland and the Northern Isles overnight.

During Saturday, the band of rain will move southwards across the rest of the UK, with the cold air extending to southern areas on Saturday night.

Cold for all from Sunday

By Sunday, even colder air from the Arctic arrives across northern Scotland, and we'll see the start of some unsettled weather for all parts as an area of low pressure arrives from the Atlantic.

A Yellow National Severe Weather Warningfor snow and ice has been issued for the north of Scotland and the Northern Isles from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning. Here, showers will turn increasingly wintry through the day with hail, sleet and some snow. Little snow is likely to settle at low levels by day, but through the evening and overnight, 1 to 3 cm may accumulate in some places within the warning area, whilst 5 to 10 cm is possible on high ground above 300 metres by Monday morning. As temperatures fall overnight, ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces.

As a low pressure system moves south-eastwards early next week, a separate warning area for snow and ice comes into force on Monday morning lasting into Tuesday morning for much of northern England and southern Scotland. In this region spells of rain, sleet and snow are likely during Monday and overnight into Tuesday morning. The most likely scenario is for most of the snow to fall on high ground, with 5 to 10 cm possible in locations above 300 metres in elevation and perhaps as much as 15 to 20 cm above 400 metres. There is a small chance of snow settling at lower levels, where 5 to 10 cm would prove much more disruptive, but this is very uncertain.

Again on Tuesday morning, ice may form on untreated surfaces as the wintry showers clear.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks explains: "A notable early winter cold spell will arrive across the north from Sunday and will likely reach all parts of the UK by midweek.

"Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air. This introduces the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard. As the cold air spreads south, wintry weather is possible more widely, and a snow and ice warning has already been issued for parts of Scotland and Northern England for early next week.

"Updates to the warnings for wintry hazards are likely, so it's important to stay up to date with the latest forecast."

In addition to the severe weather warnings, a Cold Health Alerthas been issued by the UKHSA which provides alerts for the health sector in England. The alert covers the Midlands and North of England from Sunday morning through to Thursday.

Weather next week

By the middle of next week, the whole of the UK is expected to be within the cold air, with a continuation of wintry showers especially along coasts in the north. There will be good spells of brightness inland, though further spells of rain, sleet or snow are also possible, but it will feel notably cold with a northerly wind.

The full extent of the long-range forecast is explored in the Met Office 10-day trend video, which is available through YouTube and via the Met Office app. Met Office presenters will also be explaining the weather outlook for the UK in the weekly 'Weather Studio Live' broadcast on YouTubeat 12:15 on Friday.

Why is it so difficult to forecast snow?

Forecasting impactful snow in the UK is tricky, and there are a number of factors that meteorologists are looking out for. Read more about forecasting snow in the UK.

Cold weather advice

Thinking ahead and preparing for the colder conditions that are on the way can make a real difference.

Read more about keeping your home warmand how cold weather can affect your healthas part of the Met Office's WeatherReadycampaign.

As the north prepares to feel the cooler air first, Age Scotland's Chief Executive, Katherine Crawford said:

"As we get older it can take us longer to warm up, and colder temperatures can exacerbate respiratory problems, heart disease and other health conditions.

"There is also a concern for older people who have difficulty heating their homes to a comfortable level because of the bigger energy bills we are facing. There is concern too for those with restricted mobility, who may find it harder to get out and about while travel disruption prevents people from being able to get from one place to another safely.

"There are also simple steps we can all take to ensure no one feels they are facing this period alone. Bad weather may make it difficult for people to get out for essential shopping or medical appointments, so we'd urge everyone to check in on older family, friends and neighbours during this period to find out if they need any extra support.

"A friendly phone call or an offer to help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or de-icing paths could be a lifeline for someone who feels isolated at home during this cold spell."

"Older people, their carers and families in Scotland looking for help or advice can call Age Scotland's free helpline on 0800 12 44 222."

NHS 24 is Scotland's provider of digital and telephone-based health and care services, including the 111-service and NHS inform. Dr Siama Latif, NHS 24's Associate Medical Director said: "When the weather gets colder this can have an impact on everyone's health and wellbeing, but especially those who could be considered vulnerable, such as the very young, the elderly, or those with long-term health conditions.

"If you have vulnerable neighbours or relatives, or know someone who may need additional support, it's a good idea to check in with them to make sure they are feeling well, are warm enough at home, and have enough food and medicines if they are unable to go out in bad weather.

"If you need to be out and about during a cold spell, make sure you wrap up warmly and wear shoes with good grip to try and avoid any slips, trips, or falls.

"Our digital services NHSinform.scot or the NHS 24 Online app have some great advice if you need tips on managing winter illnesses or are seeking help with any sprains or strains. These resources are invaluable for ensuring you get the right advice and support, especially during the colder months."

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