THE exact date Brits will face the coldest night of winter so far has been revealed.
Temperatures will plunge as low as -4C today as an Arctic blast grips the UK.
The brutal cold has forced health chiefs to issue a rare warning over the freeze as Britain braces itself for the coldest night of winter TONIGHT.
The mercury plunged as low as -4C in the north west of England this morning, with the chill set to continue overnight.
Temperatures will get as low as -3C in the north west, Wales and south west of England, while dipping below zero throughout the country later today.
Forecasters say it will be so cold that overnight frosts will last all day in some areas.
Read our weather live blog for the latest news and forecasts
Joseph Gamp 20th Jan 2022, 21:30
Tomorrow’s forecast (Friday)
Early patches of mist and fog will be slow to lift and clear during the morning.
It will then be d dry with sunny spells however there will be variable amounts of cloud cover across northern and western areas.
There is also a chance of showers or spots of rain across north-west Scotland.
Joseph Gamp 20th Jan 2022, 21:02
A date to look forward to
Brits can look forward to 10.21am on March 24 – the precise moment they expect spirits to lift after the dreary winter months, new research has revealed.
The study, by Yakult Light, found the January blues have a significant impact, revealing we desperately miss a host of things – such as spring flowers coming into bloom, spending time in pub gardens and the smell of freshly cut grass.
January’s unpopularity is confirmed as three in four of us (76 per cent) admit it is when we are most likely to need a mood boost following December’s festivities.
More than half (52 per cent) say this is due to the cold and wet weather with 64 per cent saying the thing they most miss is longer daylight hours.
Almost half (46 per cent) of us feel tired and lacking in energy, 43 per cent say it makes us irritable and 41 per cent of Brits are less sociable as a result.
As a result, Brits cannot wait for the start of spring in March and the activities which warmer and longer days bring, with half looking forward to spending more time outdoors.
Joseph Gamp 20th Jan 2022, 20:14
Snow to hit London 'from February 9'
It's been predicted that snow will fall in London before the end of the winter.
Flurries are expected to hit the capital on February 9.
Before that, however, parts of Scotland and the north-east will face a battering on January 28.
Joseph Gamp 20th Jan 2022, 19:33
Bookies odds on the coldest February since records began
Leading bookmaker Coral has slashed the odds on next month being the coldest February since records began to just 3-1 (from 5-1) as temperatures continue to remain low.
Coral make this winter odds on, at 4-5, to enter the record books as the UK’s coldest since records began.
“We’re enduring some freezing mornings more often than not at the moment in the UK and it’s been so cold that we have slashed the odds on next month being our coldest February ever,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.
“This winter remains a shade of odds on to be in the record books once it’s done as the coldest ever,” added Aitkenhead.
4-5 this winter to be the coldest since records began 3-1 this February to be the coldest since records began
Joseph Gamp 20th Jan 2022, 18:29
Widespread frost expected tomorrow morning
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale, said earlier this week: "A change in conditions brings cold air to the UK.
"It'll spread from the north later on Wednesday then lingering over England and Wales for the rest of the week and into the weekend.
"With easing winds and good clear spells, a widespread frost is likely on Thursday and Friday morning with temperatures recovering somewhat by day."
Joseph Gamp 20th Jan 2022, 18:24
Brits braced for -3C deep freeze
Brits are set for a winter freeze with forecasters predicting temperatures as lows as -3C.
According to charts, temperatures across the country are expected to plummet below sub-zero on January 20. The lowest of the temperatures will be in Yorkshire, where graphs from WXCharts show the mercury falling to -3C.
According to charts, snow levels may exceed 10cm on Thursday.
These ice-cold conditions will remain on January 21, with London and the southeast seeing the mercury fall to -1C.
Joseph Gamp 20th Jan 2022, 17:37
Cold forecast towards end of January
Jim Dale, a senior meteorologist at British Weather Services told the Express: “As we get towards the end of the month – the coldest on average parts of the year – what we’re seeing is the high pressure pulling away south and west, allowing a north-easterly air stream to come in.
“That may well start to bring some snow events towards the latter stages of the month – so that last week of January. I’m talking now about January 25-28.”
Rain and windy conditions are expected for the rest of the week, with gust of up to 50mph at the peak.
Through the weekend it is expected to be dry for many but often rather cloudy, with some light rain at times in the far north.
Joseph Gamp 20th Jan 2022, 17:24
Long range forecast for end of month
The Met Office’s long range forecast for the end of the month into February states: “This period is likely to see a gradual transition to more unsettled conditions.
“Heaviest precipitation is likely to occur across the northwest, particularly later in the period, whilst drier than average conditions are more likely to prevail in the southeast, particularly earlier in the period.
“Spells of strong winds are likely, mainly in the north.
“Temperatures likely to be slightly above average overall. Some colder interludes are still expected though, bringing a risk of occasional snow, most likely over northern hills.”
Joseph Gamp 20th Jan 2022, 16:37
Friday is set to be a cold one
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said southerners are set to shiver as the week goes on.
"On Friday morning, there'll be a widespread frost," he said.
"It'll be perhaps the coldest night of the winter for some southern parts of the country."
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 16:00
How should you prepare for safe driving in snow?
Before heading off in the snow, plan your journey carefully and keep up-to-date with local weather reports. You should also:
Allow more time than you usually would and ensure all the snow is clear from your vehicle. It is actually against the law to drive with snow on your car. Carry a lock de-icer with you to clear your locks. Make sure any auto wiper control is switched off before turning the ignition on. If they are frozen to the screen the control fuse will blow. Check your tyres for adequate tread so the grip is sufficient. If conditions are very bad you may want to consider using snow socks or chains. Use a good screenwash that protects down to at least -35C to prevent the water from freezing.
Being gentler on the throttle and brakes and slowing down, particularly on rural or ungritted routes, can help ensure a safe and trouble-free journey, advises the RAC.
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 15:30
Useful tips to stay warm in the winter
Brits are set for a winter freeze with forecasters predicting temperatures as lows as -3C, so it's important you wrap up warm!
Dress for warmth Heat up your living area Double-check your insulation and cracks Take advantage of natural heat - during the day open the curtains and blinds and letting in the natural sunlight Keep your bed warm - you can just opt for placing hot water bottles wrapped in a fleece or wool cover Keep your metabolism running
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 15:00
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 20th Jan 2022, 14:30
Ways to stay safe & avoid delays on icy roads
AS Brits brace for a January deep freeze, drivers are urged to be extra cautious on the road.
Here, we round up the top seven ways you can avoid accidents and weather-induced delays while on the road this winter.
Keep your phone fully-charged Check your air pressure and tread depth De-ice your car Increase your stopping distance Take it slow Don’t go out unless necessary Use familiar roads Drive in a high gear
Read the article in full here.
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 14:00
A date to look forward to
Brits can look forward to 10.21am on March 24 – the precise moment they expect spirits to lift after the dreary winter months, new research has revealed.
The study, by Yakult Light, found the January blues have a significant impact, revealing we desperately miss a host of things – such as spring flowers coming into bloom, spending time in pub gardens and the smell of freshly cut grass.
January’s unpopularity is confirmed as three in four of us (76 per cent) admit it is when we are most likely to need a mood boost following December’s festivities.
More than half (52 per cent) say this is due to the cold and wet weather with 64 per cent saying the thing they most miss is longer daylight hours.
Almost half (46 per cent) of us feel tired and lacking in energy, 43 per cent say it makes us irritable and 41 per cent of Brits are less sociable as a result.
As a result, Brits cannot wait for the start of spring in March and the activities which warmer and longer days bring, with half looking forward to spending more time outdoors.
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 13:30
Brace yourselves for -3C deep freeze
Brits are set for a winter freeze with forecasters predicting temperatures as lows as -3C.
According to charts, temperatures across the country are expected to plummet below sub-zero on January 20. The lowest of the temperatures will be in Yorkshire, where graphs from WXCharts show the mercury falling to -3C.
According to charts, snow levels may exceed 10cm on Thursday.
These ice-cold conditions will remain on January 21, with London and the southeast seeing the mercury fall to -1C.
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 13:00
Long range forecast for end of month
The Met Office’s long range forecast for the end of the month into February states: “This period is likely to see a gradual transition to more unsettled conditions.
“Heaviest precipitation is likely to occur across the northwest, particularly later in the period, whilst drier than average conditions are more likely to prevail in the southeast, particularly earlier in the period.
“Spells of strong winds are likely, mainly in the north.
“Temperatures likely to be slightly above average overall. Some colder interludes are still expected though, bringing a risk of occasional snow, most likely over northern hills.”
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 12:30
Odds on UK’s coldest January since records began
Coral makes this January odds on, at 4-5, to be the UK’s coldest since records began.
Coral go even shorter odds for snow to fall in London in January, pricing that at just 1-2.
“January is proving to be bitterly cold now as we head towards the second half of the month and temperatures are going to drop so low that we now make it odds on for the UK’s coldest first month of the year to be recorded,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.
“We didn’t get the White Christmas that Londoners dreamed of but we think snow is on the way at last and it is very short odds indeed for the white stuff to fall this month,” added Aitkenhead.
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 12:00
Pictured: Cold weather from the past few days
HEALTH chiefs have issued a rare warning ahead of the coldest night of the winter so far.
Flurries of snow are also set to hit the UK in weeks as temperatures plummet to sub-zero levels – with icy cold winds.
Forecasters say those in the south will face the coldest night of the year as the mercury dips to -5CCredit: EPA
Brits have been urged to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours as the temperature plummets this weekCredit: Bav Media
It's believed London could yet see snow before the end of the winterCredit: Bav Media
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 11:30
Protecting the vulnerable during the cold
The UK Health and Security Agency has now alerted people in central and southern England to look out for vulnerable neighbours during the chill.
Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at the organisation, said the cold can have a deadly toll.
"Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections," she said.
"Remind vulnerable relatives and neighbours to heat their home to at least 18C - particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 or older, or have a health condition.
"Should they need to go outside, it's important for them to wear shoes with a good grip."
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 11:00
Coldest night of winter to hit TOMORROW
The mercury will dip to around -5C in London in the early hours of Friday as an Arctic blast holds the country in its grip.
Forecasters say it'll be so cold that overnight frosts will last all day in some areas.
Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said southerners are set to shiver as the week goes on.
"On Friday morning, there'll be a widespread frost," he said.
"It'll be perhaps the coldest night of the winter for some southern parts of the country."
However, the weather will be milder in the north-west, where there'll be cloudier skies to limit the frost.
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 10:30
UK weather outlook for Saturday and Sunday
Mainly dry on Saturday with sunny spells and variable amounts of cloud cover. There will also be some spells of rain and drizzle across northern Scotland.
Saturday will continue dry for most areas with the best of the sunny spells across eastern areas. Outbreaks of rain will continue across Scotland
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 10:00
Tomorrow's forecast (Friday)
Early patches of mist and fog will be slow to lift and clear during the morning.
It will then be d dry with sunny spells however there will be variable amounts of cloud cover across northern and western areas.
There is also a chance of showers or spots of rain across north-west Scotland.
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 09:30
Tonight's weather
A dry and clear evening for most areas however there will be thick cloud across Northern Ireland, northern Scotland and parts of north Wales and East Anglia.
These conditions will then persist overnight with patches of mist forming and there is a chance of a few showers which may be wintry in nature
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 09:00
Ways to stay safe & avoid delays on icy roads
AS Brits brace for a January deep freeze, drivers are urged to be extra cautious on the road.
Here, we round up the top seven ways you can avoid accidents and weather-induced delays while on the road this winter.
Keep your phone fully-charged Check your air pressure and tread depth De-ice your car Increase your stopping distance Take it slow Don’t go out unless necessary Use familiar roads Drive in a high gear
Read the article in full here.
Milica Cosic 20th Jan 2022, 08:30
Checking your air pressure and tread depth
The pending snow means that black ice poses an increased risk of out-of-control skids and accidents, meaning drivers should do everything they can to stay safe.
You can improve your chances of getting to your destination safely and quickly with some simple pre-drive checks.
One important check is your tyre pressure.
If the pressure is too low for your tyres, road traction can be reduced – proving fatal in icy conditions.
Tyre tread is another important factor for road conditions.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but experts recommend it should be at least 3mm to be as safe as possible.
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