Brits have been issued an urgent weather warning as the nation is set to be hit with snow and ice this week.
While it may feel like spring is on the way, the weather gods are putting us all firmly back in our place with a dose of icy reality.
In fact, we’ve got another month or so of this, as the meteorological calendar doesn't consider March to start until 1 March, while astrologically it’s not until the Vernal Equinox, which this years calls on 20 March.
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And before we can dust off our light jackets, it looks like we’ll have to layer up big time thanks to snowy conditions heading our way tomorrow (8 February).
The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for parts of the UK, with up to 25cm of snow forecast in parts of Northern England and North Wales.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly explained: “Cold across most areas away from the south the UK, will be met by moisture-laden air spreading from the south.
"Where milder air encounters cold air, rain, sleet and snow will develop, bringing the risk of 2-5cm of snow in places, whilst some other areas see little or no snow.
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“Over higher ground 5-10cm is likely, while locations above 200m within the Amber warning areas could see up to 25cm of snowfall. Snow here could drift in strong to gale force easterly winds.
"As the milder air from the south gradually pushes northwards the focus for wintry hazards also shifts northward with warnings issued for Scotland.”
One amber warning applies to the Peak District and Southern Pennines from noon until 6pm, while there is also a separate warning for snow and ice in place between 8am and 3pm across North Wales and Shropshire.
The Met Office said the adverse weather would mean travel delays on roads were likely, as is the chance of some travellers becoming stranded.
Power cuts are ‘possible’, and other services such as mobile phone coverage maybe affected.
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“Untreated pavements and cycle paths likely to be impassable with injuries from slips and falls likely on icy surfaces,” the weather service also said.
Amy Shaw, National Network Manager at National Highways, added: “Freezing conditions bring hazards such as snow and ice, so take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected.
“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey, check the weather forecasts, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.”
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