Snow will increasingly turn to rain for much of the UK; Snow continues over northern England and Scotland, turning to rain further south

Snow will increasingly turn to rain for much of the UK today, while snow continues to accumulate over Northern England, especially the higher ground, and snow showers move into parts of Scotland.

17 cm of snow had accumulated at Bingley in West Yorkshire by 11:00 on Sunday, with 10 cm at Shap in Cumbria. Snow accumulations have also been recorded more widely across England and Wales away from the far south, although many southern areas are now much milder. With an Amber warning for snow still in force for Northern England until midnight tonight, accumulations are forecast to continue to build over the Pennines through Sunday.

Through Sunday and into Monday morning further snow showers and the risk of ice continue in much of Scotland. Yellow weather warnings have been issued here, as well as for Northern Ireland.

Milder air has moved north across the southern half of the UK overnight, with a stark contrast in temperatures. The Isles of Scilly recorded a low of 13.2°C overnight, while the lowest temperature was recorded at Loch Glascarnoch where temperatures dropped to -11.1°C. As the milder air moves north there could be a difference of 6-9°C within just 50 miles or so, this boundary probably somewhere over the north Midlands.

Met Office Chief forecaster Frank Saunders, said: “We’re seeing snow accumulations building in the expected areas covered by the Amber warning and there will be further snowfall over the higher ground in northern England throughout today, probably turning heavier again this evening. Cold conditions in Scotland will continue, with snow showers in many coastal areas, and more persistent snow for a time in the southeast.  

“With mild air now across much of the southern half of the UK, rain is the main hazard here, which alongside snow melt could cause some localised flooding impacts. Yellow warnings for rain have been issued or updated, covering Wales, Cheshire, Manchester, the north Midlands and towards the Humber and, separately, for southern England.”