UK Braces for Rare Freezing Rain and Snow This Weekend
The UK is bracing for a rare weather phenomenon as freezing rain, snow, and ice are set to hit parts of the country this weekend. The Met Office has issued warnings, highlighting the potential for hazardous conditions caused by freezing rain, a rare event in the UK that occurs when rain falls through a layer of cold air near the surface, freezing instantly upon contact with the ground. This creates a glaze of ice, often referred to as “black ice,” which can make roads and pathways extremely treacherous.
The freezing rain is expected to affect northern England, Scotland, and parts of Wales, with snowfall also forecast in areas such as Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria, and the Scottish Highlands. Snow depths could reach up to 4cm in some regions, particularly in the Pennines and parts of Scotland. Temperatures are set to plummet, with Aberdeenshire and the Highlands experiencing lows of -5C and -4C respectively. Coastal areas, such as Cornwall and Suffolk, will see slightly milder temperatures, reaching around 5C.
Meteorologists have warned that the icy conditions could pose significant risks to transport, with potential disruptions to road, rail, and air travel. The weight of accumulated ice could also bring down trees and power lines, adding to the hazards. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone noted that while the cold air will persist into early next week, conditions are expected to remain mostly dry, with little chance of further snow.
Freezing rain is more commonly seen in the United States, where it is known as an “ice storm.” In the UK, the specific conditions required for this phenomenon are rare, making this weekend’s forecast particularly noteworthy. Residents are advised to take extra care when travelling and to stay updated on weather warnings.
Rare 'freezing rain' will hit Britain in days as snow and ice blankets parts of the country
A resurgence of cold air from the east will bring further cloudy, but mostly dry, conditions through into early next week
www.gbnews.com
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
www.independent.co.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
Rare UK weather phenomenon freezing rain sparks 'danger to life' alert
The perilous weather pattern in question could ground planes just as Scottish schools are set to break up
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Met Office warns imminent 'ultra-rare' weather 'could be dangerous for aircraft'
The Met Office has said that a rare weather phenomenon is expected to hit the UK during the end of this week
www.examinerlive.co.uk
Temperatures across Scotland to plunge to -5C as rare phenomenon sweeps in
Forecasters have warned of imminent spells of freezing rain, alongside snowfall and temperatures below freezing.
www.dailyrecord.co.uk