The United Kingdom experienced its coldest night of the autumn so far, with temperatures plunging to -12.6C in Scotland, the lowest recorded on a November night in 15 years.
Across the rest of the country, thermometers dropped to -7.2C in Wales, -6C in Northern Ireland, and -6.7C in England.
Overall, it marked the chilliest night in the UK since 11 January.
Health authorities have issued cold-weather warnings in England, citing potential “significant impacts” on the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. In the north-east of England, a yellow ice warning was also in effect.
The cold snap, which brought heavy snowfall and disruption to parts of the country this week, will end on Friday, with milder, wetter, and windier conditions expected to return over the weekend.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold-health alerts until 08:00 GMT on Saturday for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber, while all other regions remain under yellow alerts.
These warnings highlight the risks posed to vulnerable individuals and the increased demand for health and social care services.
Earlier, yellow ice warnings were in place across parts of England, Scotland, and Wales but expired by midday Friday. The lowest temperatures overnight were recorded in Tomintoul, Scotland (-12.6C); Shap, England (-6.7C); Swyddffynnon, Wales (-7.2C); and Katesbridge, Northern Ireland (-6C).
Friday is expected to be dry for most areas, with occasional sunshine and a few showers in Kent, East Anglia, Pembrokeshire, and the Isles of Scilly.
Cloud cover will increase across Northern Ireland and Scotland, bringing rain from the northwest later in the day.
National Rail urged passengers to check travel plans due to the cold weather, although trains to and from Glasgow Central are expected to operate normally following Thursday’s disruption caused by damaged overhead wires.
Thursday’s snowfall led to hundreds of school closures, traffic standstills, and power outages. In North Yorkshire, around 40 schools were closed, with 10 more in East Yorkshire. North-east Scotland saw over 100 schools shut due to heavy snow.
In Wales, the National Grid reported that engineers dealt with “several separate incidents” in the west of the country. Forty schools in Pembrokeshire, seven in Ceredigion, and 14 in Carmarthenshire were affected.
For many, the snow was both a delight and a challenge. Ela McLoughlin, 14, enjoyed the day off school in Crymych, walking up Foel Drygarn with Helen McLoughlin, Conan Blake, and their dog Madog, while spotting people skiing.
Concerns remain for vulnerable populations. Alex Parker from the North Yorkshire branch of Age UK told the BBC he is “really concerned about the people that we support” and their “ability to get out and about, to be able to continue with their daily lives and to make sure they’re safe and comfortable in their own homes.” He stressed the importance of staying warm and having access to food, drinks, and medication, encouraging others to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors and friends.
In Beverley, 79-year-old David Jefferson admitted that the snow was challenging: “The sooner it goes the better really.” He added, “I find the snow difficult to walk in, especially when you get to my time of life.”
