UK weather: SNOW hits north and temperatures drop to -5 ° C

Parts of Britain will be hit by two inches of rain and 65 mph winds today after snow fell in parts of the country.

The dizzying British weather lived up to its reputation overnight as some areas were left looking decidedly wintry after hail and snow showers less than 48 hours after the end of a September heat wave.

Severe weather hit parts of northern England when temperatures dropped to -5 ° C (19 ° F) in Scotland following a late burst of heat earlier in the week that caused mercury to rise to 26 ° C (79 ° F). F) in southern England.

It came as England had its first night of new measures aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus, and all pubs, bars and restaurants had to close at 10pm last night to comply with the new rules introduced this week.

Snow piles up on the side of the road in Leeds overnight after hail and snow hit parts of West Yorkshire

A truck is driven through treacherous conditions in Leeds overnight after the area was hit by snow and hail.

Traffic cones sit in the snow at the side of the road in North Leeds at night after severe weather

Snow settles on the side of the road in Leeds overnight after severe weather hit the West Yorkshire area

Highs of just 15 ° C (59 ° F) are expected in England this weekend, although it is expected to be sunny in many parts of the country, just days after temperatures more like an August day in the Mediterranean.

West Yorkshire drivers, including Bradford and Leeds, were left yesterday battling temporary hail amid snow showers, while stormy conditions around Baildon and Shipley led to reports of flash floods.

Met Office forecaster John Griffiths said the storms were caused by a low-pressure system across much of the UK and land heated by the sun, which is enough to heat “cold air into the air and generate these thunderstorms. “

Conditions will remain cold today, with eastern England feeling particularly cold amid persistent rain and strong north winds, with the area receiving two Met Office weather warnings for the remainder of the day.

Heavy rains and strong winds hit parts of eastern England today, with temperatures no higher than 10 ° C (50 ° F)

A heavy downpour of hail yesterday afternoon creates a wintry look in Saltaire, West Yorkshire

A car drives on a white covered road after yesterday’s bad weather in Saltaire, West Yorkshire

The Met Office said an area of ​​rain developed in the southern North Sea last night and spread into parts of Lincolnshire and Norfolk, with persistent and heavy downpours that could bring up to 60mm (2.4 inches) of rain.

Meteorologists added that accumulations of up to 40 mm (1.6 inches) are expected quite frequently and could cause flooding in homes and businesses, before the rain gradually subsides this afternoon and evening.

Meanwhile, a period of strong north winds was developing in East Anglia this morning and persisted into the night, with gusts of 45 mph to 55 mph at times, and 60 to 65 mph in coastal areas.

People in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk were warned to expect “ delays in road, rail, air and ferry transport ” and “ delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges, ” as well as “ ‘short-term loss of energy and other services’.