UK Coldest Night Recorded in History: A remote village in the Scottish Highlands, Altnaharra, has recorded the UK’s coldest January night in nearly 15 years, with temperatures plunging to -18.9°C. This marks the chilliest overnight temperature since 2010, when the mercury fell below -15°C multiple times, including a record of -22.3°C in Altnaharra on January 8.
Cold Weather Across the UK
Record-Low Temperatures
- Altnaharra: Recorded -18.9°C late Friday night into Saturday morning.
- Shap, Cumbria: Dropped to -11°C.
- Heathrow: Fell to -5°C.
Seasonal Averages
- Northern Scotland typically sees lows of around 0.3°C in January.
- England’s average overnight low ranges from 1.5°C to 1.6°C.
This extended cold spell has led to sub-zero temperatures across much of the UK, surpassing seasonal averages by a significant margin.
Health Alerts Extended
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its cold weather health alert for all of England until Tuesday, January 14. The agency has issued amber alerts, warning of:
- Increased deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions.
- Heightened risks to vulnerable populations due to prolonged exposure to freezing conditions.
Weather Forecast: What to Expect
Short-Term Outlook
According to Met Office meteorologist Zoe Hutin:
- Saturday Night: Eastern regions, including East Anglia, the northeast of England, and northern/eastern Scotland, are expected to experience below-freezing temperatures again.
- Sunday Night into Monday: Temperatures may still dip to freezing or slightly below, but the cold spell will start to ease.
Next Week
- A gradual recovery in temperatures is expected.
- Conditions will remain cold but will feel comparatively milder than the extreme lows experienced recently.
- Temperatures are forecast to remain below average for the season.
A Prolonged Cold Spell
The UK has faced a particularly lengthy period of cold weather this January. Unlike previous years with short bursts of freezing conditions, this cold spell has seen temperatures progressively drop over several nights.
Zoe Hutin noted:
“It’s getting milder, but by no stretch does that mean temperatures will be above average. It will just feel comparatively much more pleasant.”
FAQ
What was the coldest temperature recorded in the UK this January?
The coldest temperature recorded was -18.9°C in Altnaharra, Scottish Highlands, marking the coldest January night in nearly 15 years.
How does this winter compare to previous years?
This January has experienced a particularly long cold spell, with progressively colder nights over several days, unlike shorter cold bursts in past years.
What areas were affected by sub-zero temperatures?
Much of the UK saw freezing conditions. Altnaharra recorded -18.9°C, Shap in Cumbria reached -11°C, and Heathrow dropped to -5°C.
What health alerts have been issued?
The UK Health Security Agency extended a cold weather health alert for England until January 14, warning of increased risks for vulnerable groups.
When will temperatures improve?
Temperatures are expected to gradually recover starting Sunday night into Monday. However, conditions will remain colder than average for the season.
