A WEEK-LONG freeze will hit Britain today - bringing an -8C cold plunge and up to 16 inches of snow. Public health bosses have issued amber alerts for the whole of England from now until January 8. The UK Health Security Agency warned a rise in deaths is likely, particularly among the elderly and people with health problems.
![[Snow in Aberdeen yesterday]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/snow-settled-ground-west-end-961069185_34f4ee.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Last night the mercury sank as low as minus 8C in rural Scotland and northern England. A yellow warning for snow will be in force from noon tomorrow until 9am on Monday. The warning covers all regions of England, other than the south west, most of Wales and parts of southern Scotland.
![[Wintry conditions in Allenheads, Northumberland]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/snow-allenheads-northumberland-three-day-961092900.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Around 2 inches of snow is expected widely across the Midlands, Wales and northern England. A whopping 16 inches could fall over high ground in Wales and the Pennines, the forecaster added. Strong winds could lead to snow drifts in some areas, and freezing rain as temperatures creep up could add to the risk of ice.
![[Public health bosses have issued amber alerts for the whole of England]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/partnership-met-office-intended-provide-961199746.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: "At the moment we've issued a very large snow warning for Saturday until Monday. "But it doesn't mean that everywhere within that warning could see snow, it's just a heads-up there could be some impacts.". The Met Office has warned people to be prepared and aware when travelling with longer journey times likely.
Railways are likely to experience delays or cancellations, with National Rail confirming that various routes across the UK are impacted. Poor weather is currently affecting National Rail's Northern and ScotRail services. In Wales, buses are replacing trains between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog.
