It has been one of the coldest weeks of the year so far in England and it feels like winter is really creeping in. Arctic air has taken over the country and brings with it weather warnings for snow and ice. The cold air is not only persistent but is also interacting with weather fronts, leading to a variety of wintry weather types.
Multiple Met Office Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for ice and snow have also been issued for the coming days, covering Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, northern and southwest parts of England and much of Scotland.
Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: "Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK's weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather.
"As a result, winter hazards are likely through the next few days, with snow and ice a particular hazard, and the coldest conditions likely on Wednesday and Thursday. Wintry showers will affect areas exposed to the brisk northerly wind, in particular Northern Ireland, southwest Wales, southwest England, northeast England and across the northern half of Scotland.
"Whilst not all places will see lying snow, where showers are most frequent accumulations of 2-5 cm will be possible. On higher ground in Scotland, 15-20 cm could accumulate, and potentially as much as 15-25 cm over the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds."
The Met Office said the unsettled conditions are a result of air originating near Siberia and crossing the Arctic before reaching the UK. This has resulted in very cold conditions, with temperatures several degrees below average for mid-November, especially in the north.
An Amber warning for snow has been issued, with a number of other warnings also in force with snow and ice on the way for some. The amber alert covers areas of North East England and Yorkshire and Humber.
The Met Office said people in the affected areas should expect "frequent wintry showers, leading to significant snow accumulations" this is likely to cause disruption tomorrow, Thursday, November 20. People could face travel delays on roads, power cuts and delays and cancellations to train and bus services.
The latest weather warning means there are now seven warnings that have been issued by the Met Office across the UK, for snow and ice. Merseyside is under an 11-hour yellow alert for ice, the warning has been active since 12am and will be lifted at 11am this morning.
The Met Office has stated temperatures will increase as we enter the weekend. The weather agency said: "As we head into the weekend, the weather remains unsettled, with further spells of rain at times for many areas.
"The good news is that temperatures are set to rise, with the milder air from the west gradually replacing the Arctic chill. However, the risk of wintry weather will not disappear entirely, especially if rain bumps into lingering cold air."
In its long weather forecast for the UK, the Met Office indicates there will be brighter spells across the country. It states: "Atlantic weather fronts will continue to spread east bringing spells of rain or showers, potentially quite widely.
"Over subsequent days showery conditions will likely continue but there will be some brighter spells at times. There is also a chance of Atlantic frontal systems moving in from the west at times and temporary periods of northerly flow that may lead to some wintry showers. Temperatures will be a little below normal.
The weather agency warns there could still be some wintry showers at times in the north towards the end of the month. Areas of low pressure may also bring longer spells of rain and periods of strong winds at times.