The Met Office has identified 23 areas across the UK set to experience challenging weather conditions on Thursday, February 5. Drivers may face difficulties as melting snow combines with heavy rain, prompting the Met Office to issue yellow weather warnings.
Starting late Wednesday, spells of rain—intensifying at times—are expected to develop, continuing into Thursday morning. Rainfall totals of 15-30 mm are likely across many areas, with some locations possibly seeing up to 40 mm.
The forecast indicates: “Some melting of lying snow is also likely. Rain will then start to turn to snow above 300 to 400 metres later on Thursday morning.”
READ MORE: Drivers Urged to Stock Up on Petrol Ahead of Severe Weather This Friday
READ MORE: Tesco Apologises for Mistaken Welsh Signs in Cornish Stores
The official warning highlights that rain and melting snow might result in travel disruptions and local flooding. It advises that flooding of some homes and businesses is probable. Public transport services, including buses and trains, may experience delays, while roads could become hazardous due to spray and pooling water. Interruptions to power supply and other services are also expected.
The BBC Weather team adds that Thursday will remain cloudy and breezy, with persistent heavy rain accompanied by sleet and snow in northern highlands.
Tonight, cloud cover will dominate most areas, with rain spreading into eastern and southern regions and snow showers expected in northern hills. The west will be drier, with occasional clear skies, while breezy conditions persist in the north.
Looking ahead to Friday, the north will remain cloudy with snow on the hills, while eastern areas will experience rain. Western regions may enjoy drier weather with some sunshine, and the south will see occasional showery rain.
The 23 UK areas named by the Met Office facing these weather challenges include:
- Angus
- Aberdeenshire
- Hampshire
- Isle of Wight
- Portsmouth
- Southampton
- West Sussex
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Dorset
- Plymouth
- Somerset
- Torbay
- Wiltshire
- Blaenau Gwent
- Caerphilly
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Monmouthshire
- Powys
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Torfaen
- Herefordshire
Residents and travellers in these locations are advised to prepare for potentially difficult conditions and to check for updates from local authorities and transport providers.