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Ice Warning: Northern England Braces for Icy Conditions
Following unseasonably warm weather last weekend, northern England is experiencing a dramatic temperature shift. A yellow weather warning for ice has been issued by the Met Office for Thursday morning, March 12th, 2025, impacting areas including Yorkshire, Lancashire, Northumberland, and Derbyshire. This comes after snow surprised racegoers at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday.
A Fool's Spring Turns Cold
The Met Office explains the rapid change. Meteorologist Tom Morgan attributes the shift to an incoming Arctic air mass, replacing the mild air from North Africa and Spain that brought record-high temperatures (reaching 19.7°C) just days earlier. This sudden drop, while not entirely unusual for March, highlights the unpredictability of British weather. The situation perfectly encapsulates the term "fool's spring"—a period of warm weather deceptively signaling the end of winter, only to be followed by a harsh cold snap.
Icy Conditions and Travel Disruption
The warning, in effect from 3 am to 9 am, cautions of icy surfaces forming on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly over the Pennines and Peak District. Temperatures are expected to be close to freezing, potentially dipping below in some areas. The Met Office advises drivers to check road conditions and plan extra travel time, while pedestrians and cyclists are urged to exercise caution.
Staying Safe in Icy Conditions
The Met Office offers safety advice: leave home earlier than usual, use well-maintained pavements and roads, and check transport timetables. Staying informed via the Met Office website or app is crucial for staying safe during this period of unpredictable weather.
Looking Ahead
While temperatures are expected to remain below average for the rest of the week, the icy conditions are expected to be short-lived. The forecast indicates a return to milder conditions later in the week. This event serves as a reminder of how quickly weather patterns can change, even in spring.
