UK Set to Experience Coldest January Night in Over a Decade - Met Office

The Met Office has issued a warning that Tuesday night could be the coldest January night since 2010. Temperatures in parts of Scotland may drop to freezing lows of -15C. Bitter conditions and heavy snowfall have already led to school closures and travel disruption in Scotland and northern England. Yellow weather warnings have been issued for ice and snow across all four UK nations before potential stormy weather arrives over the weekend. The Met Office has predicted that by the end of Friday, there may be over 40cm of snow on high ground in north-west Scotland. Snow, sleet, and rain are expected to continue in northern parts of the UK, with heavy frost and freezing conditions likely across the country. Experts have warned of treacherous roads and pavements. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold weather warning for England, meaning increased pressure on the NHS and potential risks for elderly people. The cold weather is a result of icy winds blowing in from the Arctic, causing temperatures to fall 5C to 6C below average. School closures and travel disruption have already been reported, with more expected until the weekend. The cold spell has triggered automatic £25 payments for households receiving certain benefits in over 220 postcodes where temperatures are expected to remain below zero for a full week. The payments also apply in some parts of Wales and northern and eastern England. Looking ahead, BBC Weather forecasts that snow in Scotland will become confined to hills as temperatures rise over the weekend, although disruptive winds and heavy rainfall are expected. Flood warnings and alerts are already in place in England. The BBC Weather app provides detailed forecasts and can be downloaded in the UK. Readers affected by the cold weather can share their experiences and photos by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.