An area of Scotland experienced frigid temperatures of -6°C overnight, setting the stage for a frosty and icy morning on Friday, as well as the impending arrival of Storm Bert over the weekend. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and disruptive snow across the UK, potentially leading to travel disruptions and flooding.
According to the Met Office, much of the UK saw temperatures hovering near freezing overnight, with Tulloch Bridge in Scotland recording a low of -6°C. As a result, many areas are expected to wake up to frost and icy conditions, prompting several yellow warnings for snow and ice across the UK until 10 am on Friday.
In addition, there are warnings in place for wind, rain, and snow that will come into effect on Saturday. An amber alert for heavy snow and ice is set to be in force in northern areas of Scotland, where 10-20cm of snow is likely on ground above 200 meters, with the potential for 20-40cm on hills above 400 meters. This warning covers regions such as Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire, and parts of the Highlands and Argyll and Bute.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick explained that snow showers will persist around coastal areas on Friday, with some moving inland intermittently. Despite the presence of autumnal sunshine, cold temperatures will prevail, particularly in brisk winds, with highs reaching around 5°C and even lower in the north at 2-3°C.
As Friday evening approaches, Storm Bert will make its entrance from the Atlantic, ushering in clouds from the southwest and heavy rain that is anticipated to continue into Saturday, falling as snow in parts of northern England and Scotland.
The wintry conditions have impacted education, leading to the closure of over 114 schools in the Highland Council area on Thursday due to snow. Inverness Royal Academy had to reschedule preliminary exams, while nearly 40 schools in Aberdeenshire were shut, and others experienced delayed openings. Similarly, around 12 schools in Moray were closed, following over 100 school closures across Scotland on Wednesday.
Across the border, 89 schools in Devon, 18 in Dorset, and 60 in Cornwall were closed on Thursday due to the weather, along with some closures in Wales. The inclement weather conditions are expected to persist, necessitating caution and preparedness among residents in the affected regions.