More snow is expected throughout today and over the weekend in parts of the country as temperatures plummet, forecasters have warned.
Some areas will see hail and gentle snow, while other parts must prepare for more disruptive snow and ice.
Two yellow weather warnings for ice are in place today across large swathes of the North East and Scotland as well as one in parts of the Kent coastline.
Bookies predict 2022 could see the coldest April on record as more snow and ice are expected across large parts of the country and temperatures could dip to -8C overnight.
Betting company Ladbrokes have given just 6/4 odds that this April might enter the record books as the coldest April ever on record.
And arctic temperatures are accompanying the snow, with some isolated, rural areas of Scotland possibly dipping as low as -8C at night. Sub zero temperatures are expected overnight for large parts of the UK, according to the Met Office.
A warning for ice and snow was issued in the far South East of the UK, with the potential for icy patches and some disruption to travel.
It will be windy in the East and Southeast with local gales possible on the coasts of East Anglia and Kent. Wintry showers will continue to push south across the country through Friday, with a breezy day for many.
The North East of England has already reported severe disruption due to the weather.
Earlier this morning Northumbria Police asked commuters to avoid the A68 as they were dealing with reports of snow in the area. It has been reported that the road was blocked due to a number of lorries that are stuck.
Chronicle Live reports that the A68 is now cleared, but police are still urging drivers to be cautious.
A tweet from Durham Police said: "You may have noticed that it’s snowing…! The roads are busy, and there are accidents / congestion as a result. Please - slow down, keep your distance, and leave plenty of time for your journey."
The leading meteorologists have forecast the following conditions for Friday: "Another chilly day, although feeling less cold in the sunny spells.
"There will be further wintry showers throughout the day, these will be most frequent along the coast, with hill snow and hail possible. A breezy day for many. Maximum temperature 7 °C."
In a day-by-day breakdown, the Met Office today will see both sunny spells and wintry showers, with ice possible as mentioned across large parts of the North East, Scotland and in the far South East of England.
There's an ice risk in the East tonight with rain and sleet in the West and continuing to move South. Some hill snow is expected in these areas, and this could move to low levels in places. Widespread frost is forecast elsewhere.
Moving into the weekend, Saturday will be a cold start, although it should be a bit milder in the West with some thicker cloud and showers.
It will feel quite wintery, but mainly in the high ground of Wales and the South West before clearing. There will be sunshine and scattered showers elsewhere.
Sunday will be dry and bright in the South, while it will stay quite rainy and cloudy elsewhere. This will be most persistent in the North West with brighter spells in the South East.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “As cold air continues to be drawn down from the north there is the potential for wintry showers to affect almost any area of the UK.
“Although there’s unlikely to be widespread accumulations of snow there is a risk of some disruption in eastern and southeastern areas. The best of any clear and sunny spells through the rest of this week are likely to be in the south and west of the UK, but it will definitely feel colder than it has over the last week or so.”
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "We were teased with a scorching end to March, but the latest odds suggest April could break records for all the wrong reasons with temperatures ready to plummet."
The drop in temperatures is a risk for some of the nation’s gardeners. The Royal Horticultural Society’s Guy Barter said: “Colder weather will slow plant growth and inhibit plums and pears pollination as insects fly less in cold dull weather.
“Limited rain will help new sowings of peas and carrots for example and newly planted lettuces and other plants but should not greatly delay sowing and planting once conditions improve. Tender plants, petunias and tomatoes for example, won’t be put outside for another month at least but lower light affects greenhouses and will slow their growth.”
Temperatures are expected to gradually get milder over the weekend so they will be closer to average for this time of year towards the start of next week.
