Northern Scotland recorded its coldest January night since 2010, with temperatures dropping to -17.3°C in Altnaharra. The ongoing cold spell has led to school closures, burst water pipes, and challenging conditions across the UK.
A frigid -17.3°C was recorded in Altnaharra, northern Scotland, on Friday night, marking the UK’s coldest January temperature in 15 years, according to the Met Office. This surpasses previous lows from 2010 when temperatures frequently fell below -15°C, including a chilling -22.3°C recorded in the same hamlet on January 8 that year.
Forecasters initially predicted a slight chance of temperatures dropping to -19°C on Friday night, but the mercury held steady at -17.3°C. Altnaharra had already seen -14.5°C the previous night, with towns and cities across Scotland experiencing lows of -2°C to -5°C.
Disruption Across the Highlands
The extreme cold has led to significant disruptions, with over 50 schools closed in the Highlands, 13 in Aberdeenshire, and additional closures in Moray, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides.
Scottish Water reported a 30% surge in burst water mains and household pipes, anticipating further incidents as temperatures fluctuate. A spokesperson stated: “We will work to repair bursts on our network as quickly as possible and provide assistance to property owners where needed.”
Weekend and Beyond: What to Expect
The Met Office forecasts continued cold weather into Saturday, with rural areas and eastern parts of the UK facing subzero temperatures.
“Saturday night could also be chilly,” said meteorologist Zoe Hutin, adding that northern and eastern Scotland, East Anglia, and northeast England will see the coldest conditions.
While Sunday and Monday will bring slightly milder temperatures, the UK’s ongoing cold spell has been unusually prolonged. Hutin explained: “It has been getting progressively colder each night this week, whereas previous years have seen cold spells lasting only two or three days.”
Looking ahead, next week promises some relief, but temperatures will remain below average. “It will feel comparatively much more pleasant than it is at the moment,” Hutin said.
Cold Snap’s Toll
The long-lasting chill has already caused widespread issues, from burst pipes to frozen infrastructure. Scottish Water continues to monitor the situation closely, deploying engineers to manage weather-related challenges.
As temperatures gradually recover next week, residents across the UK will still need to brace for chilly nights and ongoing disruptions.
