Snow begins to sweep across UK with travel chaos predicted for millions
The first widespread snow of the winter started to sweep across the UK today, with travel chaos predicted for millions of commuters.
Drivers were warned to allow extra time to navigate icy roads as strong easterly winds sent temperatures tumbling.
The Highways Agency said a fleet of gritters was on standby to minimise the treacherous conditions.
Up to 15 centimetres (6 inches, ed.) has been predicted for parts of Scotland, while England and Wales can expect at least a couple of centimetres.
But the first cold snap of the New Year is likely to be short-lived, with temperatures in southern England reaching as high as 8C (46.4F, ed.) by Friday.
Marco Petagna, of MeteoGroup, said: "Temperatures are going to be around 1-4C (33.8 - 39.2F, ed.) but it will seem colder as there will be a biting east wind. But milder weather will be coming in from the west late on Thursday."
Mr Petagna said the snow should not stay around for too long and some areas, such as south west England, may just get rain.
The Highways Agency has issued an urgent alert to motorists telling them to check conditions before setting out and, if possible, to postpone their journeys.
The chaos is predicted to come in the wake of winds from Siberia which are expected to cause temperatures to plunge below freezing tonight.
Read the rest at The Daily Mail, along with some great comments.
Award-winning climatologist al-Goracle was unavailable for comment.
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