The Pest From The West Is Going To Stick Around A Bit Longer, Actually

Weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued in parts of the UK today, with some areas likely to get four inches, as the 'Pest from the West' looks set to last longer than first thought.

The Met Office has issued snow warnings and reminded people to stay safe while out, with forecasters reporting a low pressure system progressing from the South West and heading towards the UK - which could mean conditions drag on into this coming weekend.

Parts of the UK are already experiencing fresh snow this week, to the dismay of people who like being warm, or to travel from place to place at anything above snail's pace. However, the good news is that it's not going to be as cold as last week and won't hang around for very long.

With the 'Beast from the East' having gradually drifted off, many Britons have awoken to discover the 'Pest from the West'.

A 1939 film featuring Buster Keaton... yeah, we know... the 'Pest from the West' is also the snappy moniker that's been given to the latest wave of cold weather to hit the UK. Fortunately, the pest is more of a nuisance than a full-on bother, and will disappear soon enough.

While the Mirror reports that there have been car crashes and traffic issues in Liverpool, Preston, Huddersfield, Leeds and Bradford (and school closures in Merseyside) there have not been reports of any major incidents.

Police have advised motorists to stay safe on the roads, with North Wales Police saying snow was 'coming down quite hard'.

However, while the latest cold snap may trigger fears of dangerous weather, the Met Office have assured LADbible that it is typical weather for this time of year (our memories are short, but in the UK it is) and is a bit of a transition.

PA

The Met Office's website says the weather this week will be 'less cold' and 'less snowy', though it will remain 'unsettled' for the next week or so.

While this may mean a slight delay in spring-like weather, it's unlikely to lead to dangerous weather patterns. The Met's online forecast says we've left behind the 'brutal' easterly winds from Siberia which made it feel so cold last week.

Although it was icy cold outside, temperatures were not actually as low as it felt. Regardless, parts of the UK which do experience some snow shouldn't experience the same conditions as before.

PA

A Met Office spokesperson said: "After some significantly disruptive weather last week from snow and strong winds, the UK will return to more usual weather patterns through this weekend. Although it will remain unsettled there will be periods of sunshine for most parts and temperatures will gradually rise making it feel more like spring next week."

So there you have it. The ruddy snow may be ruddy back but it's not going to be around for much longer and we'll all be able to tuck into our Easter eggs soon. Lovely.

Topics: Snow, Weather, UK News, Beast From The East, UK

Ronan O'Shea

Ronan J O'Shea is a freelance journalist from London who has written for titles including LADbible, Headspace, The Independent, National Geographic Traveller and New York Post. Contact him at [email protected].