#weather warnings

#weather warnings

France is currently in the grip of a cold snap which blanketed large parts of the country in snow on Thursday. The 'manteau blanc' (white coat) was caused by a polar vortex which has become stuck over the country leading to unusually cold temperatures and ice and snow in lowland areas. According to Météo France, this will continue into the weekend, with Saturday predicted to be the coldest day.

Wintry conditions are expected to continue in coastal areas of the UK after up to 7cm (2.7in) of snow fell in parts of the country. The Met Office said conditions in central inland areas were likely to be brighter and drier, while wintry showers were expected on the coasts of north Scotland and the east and west coasts of the UK. Areas including London, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Essex, Shropshire and Northumberland had snow overnight and on Wednesday morning.

The now Category 4 Hurricane Humberto is currently tracking northeastwards from the southeast coast of America towards Ireland at around 130km/h, but is expected to slow significantly before reaching our shores. However, weather models say it will become re-energised by the jet stream - a fast-flowing current of air above the North Atlantic - which will bring stormy conditions from Friday morning until late evening.

Tropical Storm Chantal, located about 95 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, has maximum sustained winds of up to 50 mph.

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The National Weather Service warns that a dangerous heat wave, combined with high humidity, will blanket much of the central and eastern US, with temperatures possible above 100°F.