Winter weather update

Snow and ice alerts are active across many parts of the UK and Ireland as severe winter weather is expected in some areas. Here is our latest assessment.

Rain and sleet will first start across the far southwest of England and the south of Ireland as the weather system arrives there later this afternoon.

This will quickly turn to snow as the front continues to push northeast into colder air over land. A few centimetres of snow could quickly accumulate for a time this evening before much milder air arrives and a thaw sets in.

Further north towards Wales, northwestern and northern England however, it will remain colder through at least Sunday morning, meaning that there is more time for plenty of snow to accumulate and cause disruption to travel.

While low-lying areas could see anywhere from 4 to 10 cm by Sunday morning, areas above about 150 metres are likely to see 10-20 cm. The Pennines could even get as much as 30-40 cm through Sunday evening.

This is likely to lead to significant disruption to travel and some high-elevation communities could become cut off for a time.

A few areas may also see a spell of freezing rain and ice buildup, adding to the potential disruption. The most likely areas for freezing rain are central and northeastern Wales, the northern Midlands and the Peak District.

Be sure to stay up to date on the forecast in your area and check active weather alerts. Be prepared for travel disruption and/or blocked roads, especially in hilly areas. Snow and ice on trees and powerlines may also lead some power cuts in some cases.