As temperatures drop, forecasters have issued a warning for the North York Moors and the Highlands of Scotland, suggesting the possibility of experiencing a rare weather event known as “thundersnow.” The forecast predicts temperatures plummeting to as low as minus 12 degrees. Thundersnow is a phenomenon where thunderstorms occur in wintry conditions, resulting in heavy snowfall instead of rain. This occurrence is observed in seven out of every 100,000 thunderstorms.
In recent developments, heavy snowfall hit parts of North and East Yorkshire on Thursday, leading to the closure of schools and tourist attractions. The North York Moors saw up to 25cm of snowfall, causing some roads to become “impassable.”
Drivers were cautioned that despite the efforts of gritting crews deployed by North Yorkshire Council overnight, roads may still have patches of ice or snow. Residents were advised to assess the necessity of any journeys as gritting does not guarantee completely clear surfaces.
With numerous schools closed in North Yorkshire, Devon, and Cornwall, families took the opportunity to enjoy sledding activities. The Met Office has stated that snow and ice warnings are still in effect until the weather conditions transition over the weekend. The UK is currently facing wintry conditions, with cold northerly airstreams bringing snow showers and icy patches to various regions. Chief Forecaster Steve Willington highlighted the persistence of cold Arctic air leading to further wintry showers and icy conditions. Multiple warnings are currently in place, and there are concerns that temperatures could reach as low as minus 12 degrees.