The Met Office said on 11 January 2024 that a northerly airflow will bring cold Arctic air to the UK from Sunday and into early next week, with snow showers focused across northern areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had a Cold-Health Alert in force at the time, which the Met Office said highlights the possibility of significant impacts for the health and social care sector.
Ahead of the weekend, the Met Office reported largely cool and dry conditions for much of the UK, with sub-zero temperatures overnight for many. It said the initial snow risk from Sunday onwards looked most likely for coastal areas in the north of the UK, including North Sea and Irish Sea coasts. Through the middle of next week, with cold air firmly in place, it said there was a chance of disruptive snow for some areas as milder Atlantic air pushes in from the southwest. The Met Office added that, with around a week to go until that transition, there was still plenty of detail to work out, and that forecast models were showing a variety of options for exactly when and how the situation would play out.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Hayter said:
"What we're keeping an eye on for this disruptive snow is where exactly this milder air from the southwest bumps into the cold air that will be in place over the UK. It's where these airmasses meet that there's a likelihood of some substantial snow for some places."
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said temperatures leading into the weekend can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. He said it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week. The UKHSA alert levels and what they mean are set out in the guide to yellow, amber and red Cold-Health Alerts.
With the potential for snow and ice for some from Sunday onwards, the Met Office said travel plans could be impacted. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said drivers should make sure they travel fully prepared, and that a few essential items in the boot can make a massive difference in a breakdown situation in freezing conditions. He listed a warm, waterproof coat, sturdy footwear and gloves, along with a blanket and a power bank to keep a phone charged, as vital. He said there are far too many instances where drivers have underestimated the severity of the conditions and found themselves in danger.
Why it matters for households
The cold air arriving from Sunday affects the whole UK, with the first snow showers expected in northern Scotland and Northern Ireland and along North Sea and Irish Sea coasts. The main uncertainty concerns the middle to latter part of next week, when milder Atlantic air meets the cold air and substantial snow is possible in some places; the Met Office said the details would become clearer in the coming days. UKHSA's alert concerns pressure on health and social care services, and its advice is for people to check on friends, family and neighbours. The health risks in cold weather and who is most at risk are covered in the site's guide.
What happens next
The Met Office said more detail on the timing and location of any disruptive snow would be added in the coming days, and that forecasts can be followed on its website, social media channels and app. Households can sign up for Met Office weather alerts and follow the storms and snow guidance.
Sources (1)
- Disruptive snow possible next week - Met Office, metoffice.gov.uk
Cold-Health Alerts
Cold-Health Alerts Explained
UK Health Security Agency
Staying Well in Cold Weather
