Met Office issues 21h alert for snow and ice ahead of Christmas weekend

The Met Office is warning of travel disruption on one of the busiest weekends of the year for the public transport system.

The warning for snow and ice which was initially predicted to strike Britain from 9pm today until midday on Saturday, December 23 (15 hours), is now set to begin earlier than expected, starting from 3pm today.

A spokesperson from the Met Office said: “Snow and ice on Friday night and Saturday morning is likely to lead to some travel disruption.

“Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

The warnings are in place for northern Scotland and the Shetlands.

However, there is currently travel disruption as a result of Storm Pia.

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The hopes for a widespread white Christmas have been dismissed by the Met Office, with forecasters saying that while there may be wintry showers in the north with hail and thunder, the majority will be windy and cold, with the chance of some showers.

Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen, said: “Beyond Christmas Day further rain or showers and strong winds are likely for many, and again any sleet and snow will be mainly over the hills of Scotland, as is often the case in December.”

The Met Office UK forecast for Friday and Saturday said: “Rain lying northwest to southeast across the UK will slowly spread northeastwards, turning heavy across parts of northwest Scotland.

“Drier and brighter conditions to follow. Windy for all.”

The forecast added: “Remaining unsettled in the run up to Christmas with further rain.

“Generally mild, but turning colder in the north from Sunday with some wintriness possible over the high ground.”

The Met Office has warned snow and ice will return to the UK in the New Year, with a chance of snow and ice in the first week of January.