MORE winter weather is set to hit the UK this weekend with a barrage of snow and freezing temperatures expected.
It will be most piercing in West London and Hereford overnight on Friday, where the mercury will plunge to -2C, but winds of 30mph will make it feel a biting -11C, according to a wind chill calculator.
On Saturday morning, 9cm of snow is set to fall in Eastern Scotland, with 5cm in a North West region and 4cm in the centre of the country.
AccuWeather Senior Forecaster John Gresiak told Express.co.uk: "A system on Friday night and Saturday has the greatest potential to produce some snow, mainly in northern areas and higher elevations.
"The Scottish Highlands would be the most likely area to experience snow.
"Amounts would be expected to be on the order of 3-6 inches in high elevations, with less in lowland areas."
Read our UK weather live blog for the latest news and updates....
John Hall Today, 00:00
Ofgem will take enforcement action against companies who fail to restore power
The long delays have prompted energy regulator Ofgem to warn it will take enforcement action against network companies which failed to restore power to customers quickly enough following the storm.
It has also agreed with firms to lift the ￡700 cap on compensation which could be given to customers.
The change will allow those affected to claim ￡70 for each 12-hour period they are left without power, after an initial ￡70 for the first 48 hours.
Chief executive Jonathan Brearley told the BBC Radio 4 programme: “We are deeply concerned about customers who for over a week have been without power.
“We want to establish the facts and make sure we understand what has happened, whether the network companies have met their obligations. If they haven’t, we will take enforcement action.
“We have clear expectations of how fast they should get people back on the system.
“We do recognise the challenging circumstances those companies are in. But what we expect from the network companies is to be relentless in connecting people, but also to be putting support in place.”
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 23:00
Chilly temperatures
Forecasters said Scotland will be cloudy this morning with outbreaks of rain and hill snow today, but drier and brighter by the afternoon with a few showers in the west.
Northern parts of the UK will see highs of 6C while the south will see highs of 8C.
Sunday will continue to be chilly with some showers in the east of England, but the west is set to have dry weather and some sunshine.
Frost is expected in colder parts of the UK, including central and western Scotland where temperatures could drop to a freezing -3C and -5C.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 22:00
How to watch December’s solar eclipse online
Weather permitting, Nasa will be streaming the eclipse live on its YouTube channel.
Nasa’s live stream should start at 1:30am EST (6:30am GMT) and aims to end at 3:37am EST (8:37am GMT).
The view of the total solar eclipse will be from a camera stationed at the Union Glacier in Antarctica.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 21:00
Clever towel hack to stop your car windscreen freezing overnight
If you’re bored of spending an age de-icing the windscreen, one woman’s free tip will save you time each day – and all you need is an old towel.
She shared her nifty hack to TikTok, revealing she puts a towel over her windscreen overnight – which leaves her car frost-free in the morning.
It absorbs water and freezes instead of the windscreen, as she showed off her rock hard watermelon-themed towel, which she said was ‘like a crisp’.
She said: “When you put a towel on your windscreen to stop it freezing overnight.
“It’s frozen itself.”
So you can say goodbye to scraping ice in your gloves or boiling the kettle for warm water in winter.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 20:00
What do you do if you hit black ice? Stay calm Do as little as possible and allow the car to pass over the ice Don’t brake Try and keep the steering wheel straight If your back wheels start to slide left or right very slightly turn the wheel the same way If you turn in the opposite directing you risk skidding and spinning off the road Slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 19:00
Bookies slash odds on White Christmas
BOOKIES have slashed the odds of a white Christmas this year as the UK is already covered in snow.
It may still be four weeks away but temperatures have plunged well below zero in the frosty aftermath of Storm Arwen – and there is more snow on the way.
Experts reckon people in Edinburgh have the best chance at seeing snow on Christmas Day, with odds of 3-1.
The Scottish capital is followed by Newcastle at 7-2, Belfast at 4-1 and Birmingham at 5-1.
London is 13-2 for snow on the big day, while Manchester goes 11-2.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 18:00
Forecast for Friday December 17 to New Years Eve
Getting into the Christmas period, it is likely to be milder than earlier in the month, with temperatures near to above normal, although some colder spells remain possible.
It is likely to become more settled around Christmas and towards New Year with increased chance of overnight frost and fog during clearer spells.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 17:30
Bookies slash odds on White Christmas
BOOKIES have slashed the odds of a white Christmas this year as the UK is already covered in snow.
It may still be four weeks away but temperatures have plunged well below zero in the frosty aftermath of Storm Arwen – and there is more snow on the way.
Experts reckon people in Edinburgh have the best chance at seeing snow on Christmas Day, with odds of 3-1.
The Scottish capital is followed by Newcastle at 7-2, Belfast at 4-1 and Birmingham at 5-1.
London is 13-2 for snow on the big day, while Manchester goes 11-2.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 17:00
Forecast for Friday December 17 to New Years Eve
Getting into the Christmas period, it is likely to be milder than earlier in the month, with temperatures near to above normal, although some colder spells remain possible.
It is likely to become more settled around Christmas and towards New Year with increased chance of overnight frost and fog during clearer spells.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 16:30
How is snow formed?
With snow hitting many parts of the UK, many people have been left asking… how does snow form?
A snowflake begins to form when an extremely cold water droplet freezes onto a pollen or dust particle in the sky. This creates an ice crystal.
As the ice crystal falls to the ground, water vapor freezes onto the primary crystal, building new crystals – the six arms of the snowflake.
The intricate shape of a single arm of the snowflake is determined by the atmospheric conditions experienced by entire ice crystal as it falls.
A crystal might begin to grow arms in one manner, and then minutes or even seconds later, slight changes in the surrounding temperature or humidity causes the crystal to grow in another way.
Although the six-sided shape is always maintained, the ice crystal (and its six arms) may branch off in new directions.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 16:00
Four-year-old amputee conquers all in wake of storm Arwen
A four-year-old amputee hiked through snow and wind to become the youngest to scale Snowdon.
Albie-Junior Thomas had his left foot amputated when he was 15 months old after he was born with a condition which made it deformed and his leg shorter.
But it hasn’t stopped him – and he’s been charging around on his prosthetic since he was two, with dreams of one day competing in the Paralympics.
And on Sunday – in the wake of Storm Arwen – he scaled 3,560ft to the peak of highest mountain in Wales on Sunday.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 15:30
December could be wettest EVER, bookies say
This December could be the wettest on record, new betting odds from Ladbrokes suggests.
The bookies now make it just a 3/1 shot that this ends up being the wettest December EVER, with heavy rain forecast for the next week or so.
Elsewhere, 5/4 says this month plays host to the coldest December on record as temperatures continue to drop across the UK.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Brits have been told to prepare for more extreme weather, and there’s every chance this month breaks records for all the wrong reasons if the latest odds are anything to go by.”
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 15:00
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Sun is entirely blocked out by the Moon.
The Sun is exactly 400 times bigger than the Moon but it’s also 400 times further away from the Earth.
These are the perfect ratios for the moon to completely eclipse the sun, provided the alignment on the Earth’s surface is exactly right.
If an eclipse will be “total” when viewed from any point on the Earth, it is referred to as a “total solar eclipse”, even though it will only be a partial solar eclipse in other places.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 14:30
Waze app notifies users of most recent road hazards
Ruairidh Roberts, UK Country Manager at Waze, commented: “As parts of the UK have faced the effects of the arctic plunge and Storm Arwen, we urge motorists making essential journeys to be extra diligent.”
“At Waze, we are expecting delays around the country as the turbulent weather causes chaos on British roads. As a result, we’ve sent out push notifications to our app users, encouraging them to report hazards caused by the bad weather.
“To report weather-related issues in Waze, users should tap the report button > hazard > weather, and select the option relevant to the event. Drivers can also use voice commands by saying “Ok Waze” and following the options to report weather disruption.”
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 14:00
Met Office releases '4cast' for today
The weather agency has released it's '4cast' for Sunday.
It tweeted: "Hoping to get outside at some point on Sunday.
"Here's the #4cast with all the details of the weather."
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 13:30
Snow, rain, and wind is forecast to batter parts of the UK
Snow, rain, and wind is forecast to sweep across parts of the UK over the coming days, according to the Met Office - while thousands of households are still waiting to be reconnected to power supplies following Storm Arwen.
Around 4,700 homes across northern England and Scotland are still without supply - more than a week after the storm hit on November 26, according to industry body the Energy Networks Association (ENA).
With work still ongoing to restore power, forecasters predict low temperatures of between 4C (39F) and 6C (43F) accompanied by some gale-force winds for the region over the coming days.
The Met Office expects to see "unsettled" weather, with snow in the Cairngorms and Northern Pennines overnight on Saturday before turning drier and less windy into Sunday.
But the temporary relief will end on Monday when a band of rain and snow is expected, along with more wind, in the second half of the day.
From Tuesday, the UK is set to see continued wind, rain, and snow - with a likelihood of more strong winds, although not as strong as Arwen, into Wednesday.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 13:00
PM 'concerned' about number of people without power
Thousands of households are still without power more than a week after Storm Arwen as the Prime Minister said he is "concerned" about the number still affected.
Around 4,700 homes across northern England and Scotland are still without supply - more than a week after the storm hit on November 26, according to industry body the Energy Networks Association (ENA).
On Saturday, Boris Johnson said he had held calls with those leading the response to Storm Arwen, adding the Government is ready to further support the recovery work "in any way we can".
Taking to Twitter, he said: "I am grateful for the tireless efforts of the emergency teams and volunteers on the ground but remain concerned that more than 4,700 households are still without power.
"I reiterated to those I spoke to that the Government is ready to further support their work in any way we can."
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 12:30
What to expect from yellow rain warnings Spray and flooding on roads, and snow on higher level routes, probably making journey times longer Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 12:00
Yellow warning for rain in place in north east
The Met Office has placed a yellow weather warning in the north east until 5am on Sunday.
A statement on its website reads: "A spell of persistent rain, heavy for a time especially on Saturday evening, may lead to widespread accumulations of 20-40 mm, and possibly 60 mm over higher ground.
"Most of this falls within less than 12 hours.
"On routes above 300 metres elevation, snow is likely at times. with possibly 5 cm or so accumulating on highest roads."
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 11:30
Yellow weather warning for snow in force in Scotland
There will be persistent, possibly heavy rain, with some snow on higher level routes, leading to some travel disruption.
The Met Office tweeted: "Snow across parts of Scotland Saturday 1500 – 2359".
A statement on the weather agency's website reads: "An area of sleet and snow has developed near Edinburgh and will edge southeastwards this evening, probably tending to ease.
"However it could produce 4-8 cm of snow on the highest level roads, and a slushy cover of 1-2 cm at low levels."
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 11:00
Waze app notifies users of most recent road hazards
Ruairidh Roberts, UK Country Manager at Waze, commented: “As parts of the UK have faced the effects of the arctic plunge and Storm Arwen, we urge motorists making essential journeys to be extra diligent.”
“At Waze, we are expecting delays around the country as the turbulent weather causes chaos on British roads. As a result, we’ve sent out push notifications to our app users, encouraging them to report hazards caused by the bad weather.
“To report weather-related issues in Waze, users should tap the report button > hazard > weather, and select the option relevant to the event. Drivers can also use voice commands by saying “Ok Waze” and following the options to report weather disruption.”
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 10:30
Snow, rain, and wind is forecast to batter parts of the UK
Snow, rain, and wind is forecast to sweep across parts of the UK over the coming days, according to the Met Office - while thousands of households are still waiting to be reconnected to power supplies following Storm Arwen.
Around 4,700 homes across northern England and Scotland are still without supply - more than a week after the storm hit on November 26, according to industry body the Energy Networks Association (ENA).
With work still ongoing to restore power, forecasters predict low temperatures of between 4C (39F) and 6C (43F) accompanied by some gale-force winds for the region over the coming days.
The Met Office expects to see "unsettled" weather, with snow in the Cairngorms and Northern Pennines overnight on Saturday before turning drier and less windy into Sunday.
But the temporary relief will end on Monday when a band of rain and snow is expected, along with more wind, in the second half of the day.
From Tuesday, the UK is set to see continued wind, rain, and snow - with a likelihood of more strong winds, although not as strong as Arwen, into Wednesday.
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 10:00
PM 'concerned' about number of people without power
Thousands of households are still without power more than a week after Storm Arwen as the Prime Minister said he is "concerned" about the number still affected.
Around 4,700 homes across northern England and Scotland are still without supply - more than a week after the storm hit on November 26, according to industry body the Energy Networks Association (ENA).
On Saturday, Boris Johnson said he had held calls with those leading the response to Storm Arwen, adding the Government is ready to further support the recovery work "in any way we can".
Taking to Twitter, he said: "I am grateful for the tireless efforts of the emergency teams and volunteers on the ground but remain concerned that more than 4,700 households are still without power.
"I reiterated to those I spoke to that the Government is ready to further support their work in any way we can."
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 09:30
What to expect from yellow rain warnings Spray and flooding on roads, and snow on higher level routes, probably making journey times longer Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible
John Hall 5th Dec 2021, 09:00
Yellow warning for rain in place in north east
The Met Office has placed a yellow weather warning in the north east until 5am on Sunday.
A statement on its website reads: "A spell of persistent rain, heavy for a time especially on Saturday evening, may lead to widespread accumulations of 20-40 mm, and possibly 60 mm over higher ground.
"Most of this falls within less than 12 hours.
"On routes above 300 metres elevation, snow is likely at times. with possibly 5 cm or so accumulating on highest roads."
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