BRITS are bracing for yet another freezing day after temperatures dipped to a bone-chilling -15C overnight.
Icy fog has already begun to descend on the country causing travel chaos nation-wide – with roads closed, trains cancelled and flights axed.
A runner braced the cold for an early-morning jog
A Southeastern train makes its way through Ashford in Kent as rail services remain disrupted in the icy weather
Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice will remain in place through Tuesday as snow freezes the nation
Brits were forced to bunker down overnight as a -15C deep freeze swept in.
Monday was a day of delays, cancellations and overall disruption for much of the country following the first decent dumping of snow this season.
Scores of train services were cancelled and drivers taking to Britain’s roads faced gridlock conditions.
Roads in Eastern and South East England were among the worst hit by the snow.
Met Office forecasters issued several yellow weather warnings for snow, ice and fog across Britain from Monday through to Thursday.
And today could bring the worst of the poor weather as a band of snow and ice is set to push down through Scotland sparking a yellow weather warning.
The snow and sleet will continue across the North and East with the rest of the country experiencing frost and freezing fog.
It comes as…
- Schools shut and asked kids to stay at home and stay warm
- Brits were left fuming after Deliveroo drivers failed to deliver breakfasts in the snow
- Severe weather disrupted newspaper deliveries of Seconds Away
- Three boys, aged 8, 10 & 11, are dead after ‘falling through ice’ in Solihull with six-year-old critical
- Despite the tragedy, two girls were spotted playing on a frozen lake just hours later
- And a full list emerged of major energy suppliers that will pay Brits to turn off their appliances
Braemar in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, recorded the UK’s coldest temperature at -15.6C on Sunday night – the chilliest night of the year so far.
And tonight, the Scottish town of Glendoll Lodge hit bone-chilling -15.
Last night homeowners were promised £4 per kilowatt hour to switch off their appliances as part of the “demand flexibility service”.
Energy firms paid customers to cut energy usage during the surge slot of 5pm to 7pm, branded “Peak Save”.
The Electricity Systems Operator ran its fifth trial of the scheme yesterday, an event that was previously scheduled and Brits will be unable to take part in if if they have not already signed up.
British Gas, Octopus Energy and Ovo Energy all confirmed they would be taking part in the pilot run.
The cold snap is also set to continue into next week, the Met Office warned.
Motorists were stuck in standstill traffic on the M25 on Monday as snow brought delays of nearly three hours, one motorist said.
Other roads with long delays include the M11, M2, A21, A27 and A249, according to National Highways.
National Highways said the A1(M) northbound is closed between J7 and J8 after an HGV burst into flames sparking yet more carnage.
Darren Clark – severe weather resilience manager at National Highways – said gritters would be out to keep motorways and major A-roads open.
A sign warning people to keep off the ice at Verulamium Park Lake, St Albans
One driver pushes their Mercedes out the snow on a road off the M25 near Enfield, North London
He said: “National Highways is committed to treating every road which needs to be treated – whenever it is needed.”
Police also reported a 200 per cent increase in 999 calls last night during the “inclement weather”, seeing them urgently send a reminder.
Essex police wrote: “If it is not an emergency and the incident you wish to speak to us about is not happening right now, please do not call 999.
“Instead, you can report this online or call us on 101.”
It comes as a landlord was forced to lay out mattresses after 40 people, including babies and kids, had to abandon their cars.
Dr Alexandra Loske was one of those sheltering at the Bear Inn near Burwash, East Sussex, telling the BBC the snow was “biblical”.
But pub manager Pauline Wilson, 38, said the atmosphere was fantastic as guests guzzled hot chocolate and chowed down pigs in blankets.
On Monday, London Gatwick Airport said flights were operational and the airport remains open despite freezing weather causing some delays and cancellations.
London Stansted Airport says it remains “fully open and operational” but asks passengers to contact airlines for further flight information.
Emirates passengers at Gatwick Airport were found sleeping in the corridors early on Monday after flights were cancelled due to snow.
Schools are also being forced to shut due to the freezing weather – find out if your kids are affected here.
Met Office chief meteorologist, Steve Willington, earlier said: “It is staying cold with daytime temperatures remaining only a few degrees above freezing in many places over the coming days.
“Overnight temperatures dropping to -10C or lower in isolated spots.
“Although below average, these temperatures are not that unusual for this time of year.
“There is still a risk we could see some freezing fog in places particularly southern England, especially for Sunday and Monday mornings.
“And there is also a small risk of a band of sleet or snow moving into the far Southeast on Sunday.
“If this happens it could potentially bring some disruption, especially to rush hour on Monday.”
The UKHSA is advising people to look out for friends and family who are vulnerable in the cold and to ensure they have access to warm food and drinks.
It stressed people should maintain indoor temperatures of at least 18C.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.
“In rooms you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18C if you can.
“Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.”
Commuters wait for the tube in the snow at Leytonstone, East London, as snow sparks travel carnage across the country
Emirates flight passengers at Gatwick Airport were found sleeping in the corridors on Monday morning after flights were cancelled due to snow
A man tows a toboggan as cold weather continues in Hertford
A damaged car with used airbags is left abandoned above Eastbourne near Beachy Head, East Sussex, on Monday morning
Runways were closed at Gatwick Airport overnight due to the weather
People looking at a frozen lake in Richmond Park in South West London
A girl charges down a snow covered hill on a sledge in Greenwich Park in South East London
One Twitter user said he was stuck for 2.5 hours between junctions 26 and 25 northbound of M25 on Monday morning
Video showed cars stranded between junctions 24 and 25 on the M25 motorway as snow fell on Sunday
