Snow and Ice Warning Issued for Gloucester: What to Expect

A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued by the Met Office, impacting large parts of Gloucester starting from the early hours of March 15, 2024. The advisory alerts drivers and pedestrians to anticipate hazardous conditions due to potential snow accumulation and icy pavements.

According to the latest statement from the Met Office, slippery road conditions are expected as cold weather moves into the region around midnight. By noon on Friday, temperatures will drop significantly, affecting travel and outdoor activities. The Met Office forecasts that an area of sleet and snow will move southeast across parts of England and Wales, lasting approximately two to three hours in any location. Snowfall of 1 to 2 cm is likely, with higher elevations, particularly in North Wales and North West England, possibly seeing as much as 5 cm.

The anticipated weather will contribute to icy surfaces, particularly as sleet and snow transitions, which could form quickly on frozen ground.

Hourly Weather Breakdown

At 04:00, a gentle northwest breeze will accompany temperatures hovering around 2°C, but gusts of wind will make it feel like -2°C for most of the morning. The Met Office predicts a 70 percent chance of rain at this hour, which is expected to escalate to 90 percent by 05:00. From 07:00 to 09:00, the temperature will dip to 1°C, before rising slightly to 2°C between 10:00 and 11:00. Despite the increase, gusting winds will maintain a chill factor.

By 12:00, the day’s warmest temperatures will reach 3°C, although the wind gusts may intensify to 25 mph, creating a perceived temperature of -1°C. This period is predicted to be the windiest, contributing further to the discomfort for pedestrians.

From 14:00 onward, the wind will begin to ease, with gusts dropping to 23 mph, while the temperature remains at 3°C. The risk of rain will diminish significantly, falling below 5 percent by this time. However, temperatures will continue to decline, dropping to 2°C by 16:00 and feeling like -2°C as the sun sets.

As evening approaches, temperatures will fall further, reaching 1°C by 17:00 and feeling like -3°C. By 18:00, actual temperatures may hover around 0-1°C, accompanied by a chilling wind that will make it feel as cold as -4°C.

The forecast indicates that by 20:00, temperatures could plummet to -1°C, with the perceived temperature remaining around -5°C throughout the night.

Safety Recommendations from the Met Office

In light of these conditions, the Met Office advises the public on essential safety precautions. They recommend allowing extra travel time to avoid rushing, which can lead to slips and falls. For those traveling on foot, using main road pavements is advisable, as they are likely to be less slippery.

Cyclists should also stick to treated roads where possible. Drivers are urged to check road conditions and public transport schedules in advance, adjusting travel plans as necessary to avoid delays.

The Met Office suggests keeping essential items in vehicles, such as warm clothing, food, water, blankets, and other emergency supplies, to prepare for unexpected delays.

As weather conditions can change rapidly, residents are encouraged to stay informed on forecasts and updates from the Met Office to ensure safety during this winter weather event.