It's been a rough week for much of the UK as winter weather brought snow, ice, and freezing temperatures across the region. However, we have some good news as the weather is finally expected to improve over the next few days.
According to the Met Office, an arctic blast swept across the UK causing treacherous conditions in many areas. On Friday, another yellow weather warning was issued for snow and ice in parts of the UK, bringing the working week of wintry March weather to a close. An amber warning for snow in an area from Stoke to Durham was in force until noon on Friday, while another for north Wales lifted at 09:00 GMT. Heavy snow caused significant disruption in some areas, with drivers warned to only travel if essential.
Some areas saw 50mph winds and up to 40cm (1ft 3in) of snow, causing blizzards and long delays on the M62 trans-Pennine motorway. Dozens of Twitter users described spending hours stuck in standstill traffic early on Friday morning. The winter weather has been named Storm Larisa by the French weather service.
The wintry conditions caused at least 270 schools to shut in Wales so far, affecting pupils in Denbigh, Flintshire, Powys, Blaenau Gwent, and Torfaen. In the West Midlands, at least 250 schools closed, with hundreds more elsewhere shutting early on Thursday as the amber warnings came into force. Air passengers were advised to check with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight information.
The RAC reported 50% more breakdowns than usual in the worst affected areas - with some drivers stuck in the snow in parts of South Yorkshire and Wales. "Given the weather, we recommend thinking carefully before setting out," said RAC spokesman Rod Dennis. "With more snow forecast, things are likely to get worse on the roads before they get better."
However, there is finally some good news. Milder air is forecast for Sunday into Monday, when a thaw will begin and conditions will start to improve. Amber weather warnings are issued when there is a greater chance of severe weather potentially causing disruption to everyday life, according to the Met Office's website. They are used to warn of travel delays on the roads and railways, as well as power cuts.
