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The Big Freeze

1st January, 2010

The cold weather will continue over the New Year period with sharp overnight frosts across all parts of the country. Further sleet or snow showers and ice are expected, especially in northern and eastern areas.

The heaviest snowfall will be over northern Scotland and parts of northeast England. Our forecasters are predicting 5 to 10cm of fresh snow over the Cheviot Hills and north Pennines, and up to 20cm in the Scottish highlands where temperatures will fall to minus 15° Celsius at night.

Many central and southern parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland should enjoy a good deal of dry weather with sunshine by day. Clear skies at night will lead to sharp frosts with lows of minus 7° Celsius in places.

The freezing conditions are expected to continue well into next week. Some very cold nights are expected with severe frosts and ice on untreated surfaces.

ELDERLY NEIGHBOURS

Food supplies might be running low after a full two weeks of ice and snow on the ground. It must be no fun/impossible being 88 and struggling to walk at the best of times having to walk on slippy footpaths. If you have an elderly neighbour and you're going to the local shops or supermarket please consider giving them a quick knock to see if they would like anything. I'm sure many would be grateful to hand over a tenner for a loave, some milk, soup, biscuits ham etc. Don't be shy!

FEED THE BIRDS

With the icy conditions lasting for over a fortnight local birdlife will be struggling to get food. If you have the ability to get some birdfood from a retailer ideal, but bacon fat, oats, muesli, currants will do. Also put out some luke warm water for drinking and replace when it freezes over.