UK Braces for Rare Freezing Rain and Icy Conditions
The UK is set to experience a rare weather phenomenon this weekend as freezing rain is forecast to hit parts of the country, bringing hazardous conditions. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, with northern England, Scotland, and parts of Wales expected to be most affected. Freezing rain, a rare occurrence in the UK, occurs when rain becomes “supercooled” as it falls through layers of warm and cold air, freezing instantly upon contact with surfaces.
This icy precipitation can create striking but dangerous effects, coating roads, trees, and power lines in a layer of clear ice. The weight of the ice can bring down trees and power lines, while the glaze on roads and pathways can make them treacherous for drivers and pedestrians. The phenomenon also poses significant risks to aircraft, as ice can form on wings and other surfaces.
Met Office forecaster Honor Criswick warned of icy stretches and urged caution, particularly in northern regions. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with frost and ice likely overnight. Snowfall is also predicted, particularly in higher ground areas such as the Pennines and Grampians, with accumulations of up to 4cm in some places.
The rare conditions are the result of cold air from the north and east meeting wet weather from the Atlantic. Meteorologists have emphasised the importance of staying vigilant, as the freezing rain and icy conditions could cause widespread disruption. The public is advised to take extra care when travelling and to prepare for potentially hazardous weather over the coming days.
Mapped: Where freezing rain, snow and ice will hit this weekend as temperatures drop
Freezing rain is rarely seen in the UK but it can bring down trees and ground planes
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Freezing rain could come to the UK this weekend
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New weather maps show that two major UK cities could be hit by a rare weather event this weekend, as other areas of the country are set to experience
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Freezing rain is a rare weather phenomenon that sees rain freeze almost immediately when it hits a cold surface and could be seen in two major UK citi
www.express.co.uk
Freezing rain
Freezing rain is a rare type of liquid precipitation that strikes a cold surface, and freezes almost instantly.
www.metoffice.gov.uk
Met Office predicts rare phenomenon as 'ice storms' and snow to hit Scotland
Frozen rain is in the forecast with this type of precipitation not seen often due to the very specific conditions needed
www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk
Met Office warns rare weather phenomenon to hit UK which poses danger to planes
Freezing rain is more common in the US and other parts of the world, which are more prone to experiencing ice storms as a result.
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