Coldest December since records began in UK

If the current sub-zero temperatures are maintained, the UK is set to see the coldest December since 1910 when the Met Office first began keeping records. Currently in what could be a week-long cold snap, it seems highly likely that this will occur.

Heavy snow has caused major disruptions all over the country, with another 10 inches of snow expected over the weekend. The Arctic freeze has caused some of the worst driving conditions possible, with nearly all roads suffering from ice and thick snow as the temperature drops to -7c in some places (and could fall to as low as -12c over the weekend). With 18m expected to be driving today, the AA breakdown service have predicted a 60% increase in breakdown calls over the weekend. The also anticipate a total of 18,500 calls by the end of today alone, and numerous fatal accidents have been reported.

Major airports have also announced significant delays, with entire runways being forced to close including those at Belfast International, Belfast City, Inverness, London City and Exeter. Others managed to reopen by midday but are running limited services.

Other concerns have been expressed for business as analysts Synvocate report that 5,500 retailers had lost a week’s worth of trade due to the extreme whether dissuading potential shoppers from leaving the house. There are fears that online traders may be affected also, as successful pre-Christmas delivery becomes uncertain.

Over a thousand schools have been closed today in Scotland, Northern Island and Wales.

Following similar infrastructure problems during the snowy period earlier in the month, Scottish transport minister Stewart Stevenson was called to resign. The road chaos saw a number of people stranded and forced to sleep in their cars overnight.

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