The Met Office has warned that numerous cities in Britain should brace for harsher weather conditions due to a fresh yellow alert for ice that starts at 5 PM today and remains in effect until noon on Wednesday. This alert covers various areas in the Midlands, northern England, and Wales, impacting six significant UK cities including York, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, and Stoke-on-Trent. This warning was issued just hours following earlier alerts regarding snow and icy conditions affecting other parts of the country.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly indicated that the cold weather will persist throughout the week, prompting several severe weather advisories related to wintry hazards. Snow showers are expected to occur over Scotland, Northern Ireland, and into parts of northern England and Northern Wales. As temperatures are anticipated to dip significantly below freezing overnight, there is a noteworthy risk of ice forming on surfaces where water and snow freeze. While areas away from northern coasts may experience some sunny spells, the northerly breeze will keep the conditions feeling quite chilly.

Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Almond noted that Thursday night could see temperatures plummet to some of the lowest levels recorded this winter, potentially around -15°C in areas with existing snow in Scotland or northern England. As a cold front moves in from the west early Friday, it may interact with the already frigid air over the UK, introducing a possibility of sleet or snow in the southern and western regions, along with ice risks as it shifts northeast into central areas. However, the exact impact of this weather front remains uncertain. By Sunday, milder conditions are anticipated across much of the UK, shifting the possibility from snow to rain by the weekend's conclusion. Northern Ireland and Western Scotland are expected to experience showery rain along with breezy weather, while southern and eastern areas may enjoy calmer and drier conditions.