Temperatures have plummeted
Winter brings harsh road conditions including heavy rain, snow and ice(Image: Getty)
As temperatures plummet across the region and snow is predicted for some parts of the UK, drivers have been warned.
Wintry conditions are expected to bring hazards, with the UK Health Security Agency issuing a cold weather warning. It came into effect yesterday (Monday) and remains in place until Friday, covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Met Office has confirmed that snow and ice are possible following a period of above-average temperatures.
It says the most significant factor bringing in the colder weather is a change in wind direction.
Last month Somerset Council said it was geared up with 23 gritters ready to head out in freezing temperatures, but warned it was not possible to treat every road in the county.
Last winter saw the teams going out 1,679 times, covering more than 117,000 miles of Somerset’s roads. More than 6,000 tonnes of salt were used to help keep the network running, with crews heading out during both day and night. The coldest road surface temperature was logged at -5.3°C on January 3, 2025.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, said: “Our crews and contractor did a great job last winter, covering thousands of miles and helping to keep Somerset as safe as possible. They’re the ones who go out whatever the weather, so we all owe them heartfelt thanks.
“As winter approaches we would ask people to please plan ahead and make sure they drive according to conditions to stay safe.
One of Somerset Council’s gritter drivers(Image: Somerset Council)
“Ice can still form on roads that have been gritted and extra care needs to be taken in wintry weather. Please be patient on hazardous roads and do not try to overtake gritters while they are treating roads, they’re doing their job to help keep you and other road users safe.
“Rain can wash salt away and in very low temperatures gritting may not be enough to prevent freezing – so drivers are always advised to take extra caution in winter.
“I would also like to thank Somerset’s farmers who are hugely helpful in supporting the Council’s winter services, by taking on snow ploughing duties when conditions become challenging.”
In Gloucestershire, the county council recently invited schoolchildren to name its gritters ahead of winter. The 29 gritters are currently unnamed. The competition is open to primary school children and will end at 5pm on Friday November 28. Winners will be announced the following week.
This week will be freezing across many areas of our region(Image: Getty Images)
The UK recorded its coldest night since March on Saturday when temperatures dropped to minus 7C in Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley, said: “High pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK this week.”
He added: “This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.
“There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7C in places, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country. Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill.”
According to the forecast site OpenWeather, the snow could arrive in parts of Scotland and the North East on Monday.
Then, from Tuesday, heavy snowfall is expected to hit parts of the UK. Snow is predicted at multiple locations, ranging from as far north as Orkney, off the coast of Scotland, to as far south as Bodmin in Cornwall.
You can check the forecast using our interactive weather map to see if snow is expected near you.
As winter conditions set in, the RAC has warned motorists to take extra care on the roads.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “There’s potential for freezing temperatures to make roads hit by heavy rain very slippery with a chance of ice.
“We expect breakdown volumes to be around 10 per cent higher than what’s normal for this time of year, which equates to around 1,000 more people needing our help each day.
Brits could be in for some flurries of snow this month(Image: Phil Radcliffe/PA)
“Normal indicators of autumn, like fallen leaves on the road, can also become very hazardous in icy conditions as they create an extra layer between tyres and the road surface, increasing the likelihood of skidding.”