Weather – latest: Amber snow warnings for much of UK with up to 40cm forecast as temperatures fall to -7.4C – UK Times

Temperatures of -10C could be seen in parts of rural Scotland on Friday night, according to new Met Office forecasts.

The coldest temperature recorded in January last year was -14C, in Dalwhinnie in the Highlands.

Milder air will briefly cover some southern areas during the weekend before a new northerly flow allows colder conditions to return across the UK next week, the Met Office said.

Deputy chief forecaster Dan Holley said temperatures would remain below average with some areas struggling to get above freezing for several days.

Further weather warnings could be issued for the start of next week.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cold weather health alerts for all of England remain in place ahead of a week of low temperatures.

Amber alerts were issued on Thursday and will run until January 8, meaning a rise in deaths is likely, the agency said.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.

“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”

With two yellow weather warnings in force across swathes of Scotland and England on Friday, and snow falling widely north of the border as temperatures plummeted well below freezing overnight, three hillwalkers were rescued overnight in the Cairngorms.

More than 20 mountain rescuers and a Coastguard helicopter were scrambled to aid with a nine-hour rescue operation after three walkers made a call for help at around 9:45pm near the summit of the Lairig Ghru mountain pass, which reaches a height of 835m above sea level.

All have since been reported as safe.

The RSPCA has warned householders that antifreeze and salt can be poisonous to pets – as snow and freezing temperatures are forecast to sweep the UK this weekend.

The charity asks drivers to check their car regularly to ensure it is not leaking water coolant; keep antifreeze in labelled, robust, sealed containers, away from pets; clean up even small spills immediately and ensure animals cannot access the area until it’s clean.

“Pets die every year from accidental poisonings from antifreeze spills and leaks, as well as from leaking water coolant from cars, but most of these deaths are avoidable,” the RSPCA says.

Dogs that have walked in areas gritted with rock salt should have their paws thoroughly washed afterwards or it can act as an irritant or be ingested if the animal licks its paws.

Drivers are also asked to tap their car bonnet and check around the wheels and on top of the tyres before starting up, because cats may shelter there for warmth.

Our reporter Jane Dalton has more details:

Forecasters have warned of the potential for freezing rain to bring hazardous conditions this weekend.

According to the Met Office, the conditions needed for freezing rain are quite specific and the UK does not often see this phenomenon.

“It can produce striking effects, as the rain drop spreads out momentarily across the surface before it freezes, encasing the surface in a layer of clear ice,” according to the national forecaster.

“The weight of the ice can sometimes be heavy enough to bring down trees and power lines, and the glaze of ice on the ground effectively turns roads and pathways into an ice rink. The freezing rain can also prove extremely hazardous for aircraft.

“Freezing rain is more common in other parts of the world, for example in the USA, where weather systems produce a lot of freezing rain. These are called ice storms, and if enough glaze collects on trees or power lines, the weight of the ice can cause them to break and can result in disruption on a large scale.”

A “dazzling” display of up to 80 shooting stars per hour are set to illuminate the sky tonight, according to the Met Office.

A yellow weather warning for ice is now in force until 10am tomorrow across Scotland, swathes of Northern Ireland and North West England.

The Met Office says to expect some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, as well as some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

Ahead of tomorrow’s amber weather warnings, National Highways has the following advice for driving in snowy conditions:

• Stick to the main roads where you can and only travel if necessary.
• Slow down – it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions.
• Use a high gear – this will help avoid wheel spin.
• Accelerate gently, using low revs. You may need to take off in second gear to avoid skidding.
• You may need up to 10 times the normal gap between your car and the car in front.
• Try not to brake suddenly – it may lock up your wheels and you could skid further.
• Be extra cautious at road junctions where road markings may not be visible.