On The Coldest Night For 13 Years, It Might Be Time To Sort Your Winter Gritting
The UK just recorded the coldest night in November for the last 13 years with temperatures dropping as low as -8C.
The big freeze is here, this is due to a blast of cold air from Scandinavia, which has brought snow to parts of Scotland and east England. There is a risk of further snow and ice in the coming days, and drivers are being warned to take extra care as not all roads will be de-iced all the time.
The coldest nights in the UK overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday morning were Bridgefoot, Cumbria (-7.2C), Tyndrum, Crianlarich (-5.8C), Hawarden, Flintshire (-3C), and Aldergrove, County Antrim (-2.9C). The Met Office has issued yellow graded warnings for snow and ice, which means that people could face hazardous conditions, with disruption and delays likely on roads and railways and icy patches on roads and pavements. Drivers are being warned to take extra care, and many are facing road closures.
Why Have These Coldest Nights Happened?
The cold snap is due to a blast of cold air from Scandinavia, which is known as a polar vortex. A polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds the North and South Poles. It is typically strongest in the winter months and can sometimes extend into lower latitudes, bringing cold weather with it.
This year, the Polar Vortex has been particularly strong and has been extending further south than usual. This is due to a number of factors, including the position of the Jet Stream, which is a band of strong winds that blows high in the atmosphere. The Jet Stream can act like a barrier, trapping the cold air in the Arctic. This year, the Jet Stream has been further south than usual, allowing the cold air to spill out into Europe and over the United Kingdom.
More snowfall? Climate change impact and implications for Wilder Weather
How Long Will The Coldest Nights Last?
The cold snap is expected to last for a few more days. However, the Met Office is warning that there is a risk of further cold spells in the coming weeks.
What Can We Do?
If your company is doing its own winter gritting then we have some advice for you which explains the bare minimum that you need to do to stay ahead of legal liabilities.
Alternatively, if you feel outsourcing this task to professionals would be a more secure option, please give us a call on 0800 0432 911 or contact us via the link below
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