The Met Office says conditions will get much colder for large parts of the UK this week with sub-zero temperatures and some places seeing snow, sleet or wintry showers.
Current easterly winds have made much of the UK cold in recent days - but forecasters say it is set to get even colder as the wind direction changes and brings in icy air from the north.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said we can expect to see 'Arctic air' from Tuesday, causing temperatures to drop through the week. He said: “It’s going to turn even colder and feel even colder still with temperatures well below average for the time of year both by day and by night.”
Temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to be as low as -8C overnight in some places. Northern Ireland and East Anglia are forecast to be warmest as they hit around -2C
Parts of Scotland and Wales could be coldest with -8C on the hilltops. Alex said: “Much of England, including the South West, we could see temperatures of -5C or -6C which is exceptionally cold.”
He told GB News: “We have a snow warning across the northern half of Scotland for Wednesday and that is when the snow showers coming from the north will be most impactful, they will probably start on Tuesday and we will see very significant snow in the north.”
There could be up to 4inches of snow in the coldest parts of Scotland.,
The current forecast for across the UK: "Turning colder from Wednesday, with widespread overnight frosts. Snow showers across northern Scotland and perhaps parts of Northern Ireland and northeast England. Sunny spells elsewhere.
"It is expected to remain cold on Friday, with occasional showers especially in the north near the coasts, these likely falling as sleet or snow. Many inland areas will remain fine and dry, especially in the south.
"Into the weekend, conditions remain cold, with wintry showers mainly affecting windward coasts, any accumulations of snow away from northern Scotland likely confined to higher hills. Many inland areas could well stay fine and dry throughout although there will be some sharp overnight frosts along with the odd patch of freezing fog which could be slow to clear.
"Some bands of rain may push into the south after the weekend, possibly wintry, especially over higher ground. Temperatures remaining cold throughout with a chance of a short spell of very cold weather."
The Met Office has issued a severe cold weather alert for England, as it warned plummeting temperatures later this week could increase health risks to vulnerable people and disrupt deliveries.
The level three, or amber, cold weather alert was issued on Monday morning and warns of severe conditions in England between 6pm on Wednesday and 9am on Monday, December 12.
The alert requires social and healthcare services to take action to protect high-risk groups.
Temperatures are expected to turn colder across much of the UK late on Wednesday and through Thursday as air from the Arctic spreads south across the country.
The Met Office said that very cold nights are expected with “widespread and potentially severe frosts”.
Daytime temperatures are expected to be near or just above freezing.
Wintry showers are also likely to affect some coasts, with the Met Office forecasting they may push into some inland areas at times, bringing a risk of icy patches.
The RAC has advised motorists to check their vehicles are “winter ready”, with properly inflated tyres that have good tread.
Rod Dennis, RAC spokesperson, said: “With temperatures plummeting this week, many drivers might be taken aback by the cold after an exceptionally mild autumn.
“Drivers with older batteries in their cars might also wish to give their vehicle a 20-minute drive before colder conditions arrive to ensure the battery can cope with sub-zero temperatures.”
The Met Office has advised people to try and maintain indoor temperatures of at least 18°C, stating that this is particularly relevant for those who are not mobile, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over.
It has also asked people to “look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold”, ensuring they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.
The Met Office’s cold weather alert system operates in England from November 1 to March 31, every year, in association with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The system comprises five levels of response based on cold weather thresholds which are designed to trigger an alert when severe cold weather is likely to significantly affect people’s health.
