Janice R. Andrews
A yellow weather warning for ice has been issued across parts of England, with ten regions bracing for freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions. The alert, active from 3 am to 9 am on Thursday, follows snowfall at the Cheltenham Festival and wintry showers across the UK. Forecasters warn of icy roads, cycle paths, and potential accidents as temperatures plummet close to freezing.
The affected areas include Derbyshire, Darlington, Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire. The Met Office has urged residents to take extra care during the early hours of Thursday, as untreated surfaces may become dangerously icy, particularly in the Pennines and Peak District.
Wintry Weather Hits Cheltenham Festival
The icy conditions come as thousands of racegoers faced a chilly start to day two of the Cheltenham Festival. Snowfall on Wednesday morning transformed the Gloucestershire venue into a winter wonderland, with social media flooded with videos of horses and riders navigating the unexpected wintry scenes. One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “Just when you think you’ve seen it all… snow has now arrived at Cheltenham.”
The Met Office confirmed the unusual weather, stating, “Don’t be surprised if you see some wet snow in some of the showers today. A temporary slight covering is possible on the grass and cars, as seen recently here in Cheltenham.”
Sudden Temperature Drop After Record Warmth
The icy snap marks a stark contrast to the weekend, which saw the UK record its warmest day of the year so far. Temperatures soared to 19.7°C in Crosby, Merseyside, on Sunday, surpassing Saturday’s high of 19.1°C in Cumbria. Brits flocked to parks, beaches, and pub gardens to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather, with London and Cardiff even outshining popular holiday destinations like the Balearic Islands and Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
However, the warm spell was short-lived. A northerly flow of air brought by an area of high pressure has caused temperatures to plummet this week. Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick explained, “This week is going to feel a lot more like winter. Wednesday will see snow across north-eastern parts of Scotland, and high ground will see flurries to a lower level. Temperatures will see highs of 8-9°C, but it will feel more like freezing.”
Safety Warnings and Travel Disruptions
Forecasters have warned that icy conditions could lead to injuries and accidents, particularly on untreated roads and cycle paths. The Met Office advised, “Showers will continue at times through Wednesday and Wednesday night, falling as sleet or hail at times, and perhaps temporarily as snow over hills. Clear spells in between will allow temperatures to fall close to zero, with some untreated surfaces turning icy.”
Residents in the affected areas are urged to exercise caution during the early hours of Thursday, especially in regions like the Pennines and Peak District, where icy stretches are expected. Drivers and cyclists are advised to allow extra time for journeys and to be mindful of slippery surfaces.
Cheltenham Festival Continues Amid Wintry Conditions
Despite the chilly weather, the Cheltenham Festival continues to draw crowds for its action-packed racing schedule. The event saw a dramatic opening day on Tuesday, with a major upset in the 2025 Unibet Champion Hurdle. Overwhelming favourite Constitution Hill fell at the fourth-last hurdle, paving the way for 25/1 outsider Golden Ace to claim victory. The shock result left bookies celebrating, as one punter lost a £20,000 bet on Constitution Hill.
The festival has also attracted a host of famous faces, including legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, ex-players Jonny Evans and John O’Shea, and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Looking Ahead
As the UK navigates this icy spell, the Met Office predicts a cold and frosty start to Thursday, with icy stretches expected wherever rain has fallen. Showers are likely to continue along North Sea coasts, bringing sleet and snow, particularly over high ground. While the rest of the country will remain largely dry, isolated showers cannot be ruled out.
The sudden shift from unseasonable warmth to wintry conditions serves as a reminder of the UK’s unpredictable weather. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated on weather warnings and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this icy period.
In summary, ten areas in England are under a yellow ice alert, with freezing temperatures and icy conditions posing risks to residents and travelers. From the unexpected snowfall at Cheltenham to the dramatic temperature drop, this week’s weather highlights the importance of staying prepared for sudden changes. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep an eye on the latest updates from the Met Office.
