THE Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for 'dense fog patches', which are set to last until 11am today in parts of central and southern England.
Ahead of the warning, the Met Office has advised people to expect slower journey times - with the possibility of delays to bus and train services, and delays or cancellations to flights.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has put a Level 2 cold weather alert in place amid a risk of freezing conditions from this Thursday until next Monday.
Temperatures are set to plummet as low as -4C (24F) in parts of the country.
Read our weather live blog for the latest news and forecasts
Milica Cosic 28 minutes ago
Big freeze from today onward
The big freeze will hit the whole of the UK from Wednesday onwards with temperatures dropping as low as 0C in London.
Shivering Londoners will see highs of around 1C heading into the weekend, with some freezing temperatures in Toll Creagach in the Scottish Highlands reaching just -1C for an entire weekend.
Dryer days are also expected to bring frosty conditions next week, as the temperature is expected to drop as low as -8C, according to WXCharts.
Milica Cosic 58 minutes ago
What can happen in an Arctic Blast?
When temperatures are below freezing and wind chills plunging to 35 degrees below zero during an Arctic Blast travel is very dangerous.
Freezing rain, sleet, and black ice can occur when this weather occurrence strikes.
When this winter blast occurs it often brings record-breaking cold fronts and snowfall with it.
Prior to an Arctic Blast below are some things to do in order to prepare:
Schedule a furnace inspection to ensure your heat system will work Fix up drafty areas in your home Close your curtains Prepare for a power outage Ensure your pets have their food, medications, and whatever else they might need
Milica Cosic Today, 14:00
What is an Arctic Blast?
An Arctic Blast has other names that might be more familiar such as polar vortex or a blue norther.
The International Business Times defines an Arctic Blast/polar vortex as the following.
"a low-pressure area that typically forms around the North and South Poles that strengthens and weakens year over year.
"A strong vortex is typically a well-defined cold front that is contained and bordered around the arctic regions," the article reads.
When the weather changes drastically and temperatures drop suddenly it can result in an Arctic Blast.
AccuWeather defines this as a "strong cold front marked by a sudden and drastic decrease in temperature."
Milica Cosic Today, 13:30
Level 2 cold warning
A 'LEVEL 2' cold alert warning has been issued for parts of Britain while flights could be cancelled as thick fog sets in.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the level 2 alert on Tuesday while asking people to "look out for those most at risk" from the effects of cold weather.
Forecasters said this could see "slower journey times" to bus and train services and "delays or cancellations to flights".
Experts have advised Brits to look after those most vulnerable to the cold.
Milica Cosic Today, 13:00
Temperatures expected to plummet this week
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman said: "Temperatures in central and southern England are expected to trend downwards from Thursday, with overnight minimum temperatures possibly getting to -4 °C in some rural areas, but widespread below-freezing conditions elsewhere overnight in the following days.
"This will result in some harsh frosts and possible freezing fog in some places.
"Temperatures will stay subdued through the next few days from Thursday in the alerted areas, with highs likely to remain in the mid-to-low single figures through the weekend, especially in places where any fog or low cloud lingers throughout the day."
A gigantic blanket of fog is expected to hit East and West Midlands, London, East Wales, the South East and East of England with sunny conditions expected for southern and central areas by Wednesday midday.
Milica Cosic Today, 12:30
Odds slashed on January being wettest EVER
Ladbrokes have slashed the odds on this month going down as the wettest January EVER.
Having been a 4/1 shot last week, the bookies now make it just 5/2 for this month to enter the record books, with flood alerts being issued across the UK.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “There’s every chance this month breaks January records for all the wrong reasons, with more miserable weather on the way.”
Milica Cosic Today, 12:00
Why flight delays are more likely in winter
The Met Office says: “Fog, snow, ice and crosswinds mean that air traffic controllers have to increase the gap between planes that are landing, reducing the number of aircraft that an airport can manage.
“The same weather can make it slower and more difficult for the planes to taxi between runway and terminal building. As many commercial flights are cruising more than five miles above the ground, they can be affected by different weather than we are experiencing on the ground.
Safety is always the first consideration for the aviation industry. An aircraft that’s stood overnight in freezing weather will need de-icing before its first flight in the morning.
“That’s a fairly big task for one plane but imagine the task at Heathrow on a snowy January morning. At the same time there are miles of taxiways and runways to clear.
“Then think about the people who do this work getting to the airport – the same snow and ice are probably affecting the roads and railways."
Milica Cosic Today, 11:30
This month will see drop in temperatures, says Met Office expert
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said the average temperature in December and the beginning of January is usually around 7C or 8C, with the warmer weather due to a south-westerly wind making its way across the country.
The higher temperatures are usually localised, but “plenty of places” have seen highs of 15C over December.
However, he added that January could see a drop in temperatures because of an Arctic chill sweeping through from next week.
Milica Cosic Today, 11:00
Weather outlook for 25th of January to the 8th of February
A more unsettled regime is most likely during late January and into early February with spells of wet and windy weather followed by brighter but showery interludes.
Northwestern areas are likely to be wettest with southern and eastern areas seeing the best of any drier interludes.
Overall temperatures are most likely to be near or a little above average though some colder interludes are possible.
Snow could fall to lower levels at times in any colder interludes but is most likely over higher ground in the north.
Milica Cosic Today, 10:45
Can I still have the Covid booster if I have a cold?
The short answer is yes.
If you are certain it is not Covid you are suffering with and you are well enough to leave home, you can get your third shot with confidence.
It might make you feel a bit rougher than if you weren’t ill, but overall it’s perfectly safe – and you can emerge from your sickly funk safe in the knowledge you are protected against coronavirus.
A cold shouldn’t have an effect on your body’s ability to build an immune response to the flu, even though it is fighting an illness.
NHS guidance says you should still attend your appointment even if you have a mild illness, including a common cold.
Milica Cosic Today, 10:30
How to stay warm when outside
With the weather getting chillier and frostier, you’ll want to wrap up warm.
Here are some good tips for staying all snugly and cosy when outdoors:
Prewarm your clothes. Invest in some quality thermals. Fleece leggings. Hand warmers. Cover every inch of skin. Eat fatty foods. Thermal flask. Keep moving. Keep hydrated. Keep your head covered. Tactical scarf-wearing – including keeping your nose and mouth covered
Milica Cosic Today, 10:15
Forecast for January 12-21
High pressure is expected across southern and central parts of the UK at the start of this period, bringing settled conditions and light winds, though it’s likely to be rather cloudy in some areas.
Temperatures will be generally around average, but there is a risk of some colder nights with local frost and fog.
Spells of rain, drizzle and stronger winds are likely further north, with temperatures near to or slightly above average here.
Confidence decreases through the period, but a return to generally more unsettled conditions across the UK is likely later on, with western and northwestern parts expected to continue to see the wettest and windiest weather.
Temperatures likely to remain around average.
Milica Cosic Today, 10:00
Late January to early February forecast
Conditions expected to remain broadly unsettled and changeable through this period with occasional spells of wet and windy weather moving across from the Atlantic.
Western and northwestern parts likely to see the wettest and windiest conditions overall whilst eastern and southeastern parts probably seeing the most of any drier spells.
Temperatures likely to be slightly above average overall throughout but there remains a possibility of short-lived colder spells.
Colder spells likely to bring a risk of snow at times, though mostly over high ground in the north.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:45
How will the month end?
Conditions expected to remain broadly unsettled and changeable through this period with occasional spells of wet and windy weather moving across from the Atlantic.
Western and northwestern parts likely to see the wettest and windiest conditions overall whilst eastern and southeastern parts probably seeing the most of any drier spells.
Temperatures likely to be slightly above average overall throughout but there remains a possibility of short-lived colder spells.
Colder spells likely to bring a risk of snow at times, though mostly over high ground in the north.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:39
When is it too cold to go to work?
Snow and ice have reappeared across Britain after a record mild spell to start the new year.
And though everyone loves a snow day, there’s unfortunately no guarantee of a day off school or work just because it’s snowing.
There is also no specific law around minimum or maximum working temperatures, although there are guidelines.
If it is safe and reasonable to travel to work, then you should do so.
But if it isn’t safe, contact your employer and check the company handbook.
Keep in mind that government guidance in all four UK nations currently advises you should work from home if it’s practical, too.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:36
Frost and Fog due to set in this week
Frost and fog is set for the latter end of the week, with freezing fog rolling across England and Wales, a spokesperson for The Met Office said.
The forecaster told The Sun: “We’ve seen pretty much an average start to the month in terms of rainfall, we’re running at about 30 per cent of the average rainfall – we would usually expect to be at that value.
“But high pressure building and fog will be the main problem.
“It looks quite nice around the middle of the week, and Wednesday could be quite sunny – but there is an increasing risk developing of freezing fog on Thursday and Friday.”
Milica Cosic Today, 09:33
Best touch screen gloves to wear in the winter
Nike Tech Gloves - For those who like a bit of sports branding with their gloves, Nike’s grey tech gloves are a must.
With a stylish three-tone knitted fabric — ideal for the cold weather — these feature touch-screen compatible thumb and fingers, as well as a silicone grip pattern on the palms and fingers which will help you keep hold of your phone.
And with Nike’s unmistakable ‘swoosh’ detail, they’re an ideal gift for sports fans.
The North Face Men’s Denali Etip Gloves - The North Face is a go-to brand for cold-weather gear, so you can always trust that its gloves will deliver.
Inspired by the classic Denali Jacket from 1989, these Etip gloves are crafted from the same moisture-wicking soft fleece, with a silicone gripper and conductive technology in the palms to enable you to use your phone.
With five-finger touchscreen capabilities, these are ideal for ‘proper’ scrolling — and the fleece is 100% recycled, making them a greener choice too.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:30
￡100 for not wearing correct shoes whilst driving in the winter
Thicker boots may keep your feet warm in the snow but they could get you into trouble and you with a heavy fine if you drive in them.
While wearing inappropriate shoes to drive isn’t technically illegal, careless driving due to unsuitable footwear can get you into trouble.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that before heading off on a drive, you must ensure that “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in a correct manner”.
If you are stopped by the police for careless driving and they decide your footwear caused the problem, you can face up to a ￡100 on-the-spot fine plus penalty points on your licence.
If you do need heavier boots for snow or cold weather conditions when you’re out and about, it’s best to take an additional, safer pair of shoes to drive in too.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:27
Is it illegal to leave your car engine running to defrost your windscreen?
If you leave your engine running while your motor is stationary on the road, it could land you in hot water.
“Stationary idling” is an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which means leaving the car running is off-limits.
The Act enforces rule 123 of the Highway Code which states: “You must not leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.”
So, defrosting your windscreen by leaving the engine and heating on is actually against the law.
However, this law doesn’t mean you have to turn your engine off at every red light, as it is simply aimed at unnecessarily idling vehicles to help reduce noise and air pollution.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:24
What is the penalty for leaving your car with its engine running?
If you are caught by police while using this method, you will be given a fixed ￡20 fine – or ￡40 if not paid within a certain time frame.
But never mind the police, leaving the engine going to warm it up or defrost your windscreen while you pop back inside makes your vehicle the ideal target for opportunistic thieves.
Should your car be stolen in this way, it is more than likely your insurance company will refuse to pay out on your loss, as you have invalidated your insurance by acting in a way which significantly increased the risk of your car being stolen.
Instead, try other ways of defrosting your windscreen, such as poring a solution of water with a teaspoon of salt over any icy areas.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:20
Top tips on defrosting your windscreen during the winter
Mix up a solution of water with a teaspoon of salt and pour it over icy areas
A mixture of three parts of vinegar to one part of water will also do the trick
DON’T pour boiling water onto frozen car windows
DON’T use anything other than a car-specific scraper to remove the frost
Prevent windscreen frost by soaking an old towel in a solution made up of water and table salt, or a mix of one part of water and two parts of alcohol, then place it over your car windows the night before.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:17
Advice for drivers whilst travelling in the fog Avoid travel if possible Drive very slowly with dipped headlights, full-beam lights reflect off the fog causing a ‘white wall’ effect Keep an eye on your speed, fog can give the illusion of moving in slow motion Use fog lights, but remember to turn them off when the visibility improves Don’t hang on the tail lights of the car in front, rear lights can give a false sense of security Watch out for freezing fog which is made of water droplets that freeze on contact with objects such as the pavement, road, car, etc. It can quickly form a layer of ice.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:15
UK weather outlook for Friday and Saturday
Dry for much of the UK on Friday, but parts of northern and western Scotland will have patchy rain.
Spells of sunshine in places, but areas of low cloud and fog may linger, and are likely to be more extensive that on Thursday.
Dry for much of the UK on Saturday too, but with a fair amount of cloud.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:11
Weather for tomorrow (Thursday)
Much of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be dry tomorrow with bright or sunny spells.
However, a few areas of fog may linger in places, especially across southern and central England.
Cloudier for Scotland with patchy rain in the west. Winds will be light for most, breezier in Scotland.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:08
Tonight’s weather
Northern and some western parts of Scotland will have a lot of cloud tonight with occasional light rain and drizzle.
Eastern and southern Scotland will be dry with clear spells. Breezy.
Northern Ireland, England, and Wales will be dry and chilly overnight with clear spells and areas of mist and fog.
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