Freezing Fog and Sub-Zero Temperatures Grip Britain Before Sunday Rain

Arctic air is keeping cold conditions across large parts of the United Kingdom as yellow health warnings stay in place for parts of England.

Temperature Drops

Saturday began with sharp frost and temperatures falling below zero across England and Wales. South Newington in England recorded minus 6.9 degrees Celsius, which is the lowest temperature in the UK so far this autumn. In Wales, Sennybridge saw temperatures drop to minus 5.3 degrees Celsius. Drivers face risks from patches of freezing fog, where super-cooled water droplets can freeze on impact and turn untreated roads and pavements into icy surfaces.

Weather Shift

Yellow cold health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency are active for the West Midlands and north-west England until Saturday noon. After the morning fog and frost clear, Saturday will bring bright and dry weather with long spells of sunshine for most of England and Wales. Afternoon temperatures will range from 7 degrees Celsius in the Scottish Highlands up to 12 degrees Celsius in south-west England. Sunday will bring a major change as low pressure from the Atlantic sweeps in, replacing the cold spell with wet and windy weather. Heavy rain will move across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of England and Wales, which will help areas currently dealing with drought conditions.

Context

Cold health alerts are issued by health authorities to help protect vulnerable people, such as older adults and those with breathing problems, during severe winter weather. Freezing fog creates hidden road hazards because the tiny water droplets stay liquid until they touch a cold surface and freeze instantly.