Britain is braced for blizzard conditions as severe snowstorms set in overnight and are likely to cause travel disruption on Thursday.
The Met Office has issued at least yellow weather warning across the whole of the UK, with several regions having amber warnings for "strong winds bringing blizzard conditions" and up to 20cm of snow in the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed all regions of England under a level 3 cold weather alert – lasting until midnight on Thursday.
Agostinho Sousa, a consultant at UKHSA, said the cold weather could have a “serious impact” on people’s health, particularly the elderly, while Age UK has urged people to check in with their older neighbours and relatives.
Temperatures dropped to below freezing on Wednesday night, with temperatures around minus 1C in south-east England, and as low as minus 13C in northern Scotland.
Thursday is expected to be the heaviest for snow between northern England and the Midlands, with amber weather warnings in place for 21 hours from 3pm on Thursday.
National Highways has warned drivers in the West Midlands and the East of England not to travel unless their journey is essential.
Southern England is set for occasional showers on Thursday, which will turn into snow as it works its way north.
The Met Office believes the snow will clear by Friday, with temperatures still cold, while northern Scotland could continue to get snow showers.
Regional forecast by region on Thursday
North East England - Amber weather warning for heavy snow
Cold and frosty initially, with cloud building from the south and occasional snow showers along coastlines. Snow, sleet and rain spread northeastwards towards midday, with wintry outbreaks continuing overnight.
North West England - Amber weather warning for heavy snow
Turning unsettled as another band of rain, sleet and snow moves northwards. With strong winds, blizzard conditions are likely, especially over higher ground. Feeling cold.
Yorkshire & Humber - Amber weather warning for heavy snow
Cold and frosty initially, perhaps dry first thing before mix of snow, sleet and rain spreads northeastwards through the morning, with wintry outbreaks through the afternoon and overnight.
East Midlands - Amber weather warning for heavy snow
Cold and cloudy initially, then a mix of snow, sleet and rain spreads northeastwards through the morning, perhaps becoming heavy at times in the afternoon and overnight. Feeling breezy.
West Midlands - Amber weather warning for heavy snow
Remaining unsettled as a further band of rain, sleet and snow moves northwards through the day. Snow will turn more readily to rain later and accompanied with some strong winds.
East of England - Yellow weather warning for snow and ice
Cold and cloudy initially, then a mix of snow, sleet and rain spreads northeastwards through the morning, perhaps becoming heavy at times in the afternoon and overnight. Feeling breezy.
London & South East England - Yellow weather warning for snow and ice
Cold and cloudy with the risk of icy patches to start. Outbreaks of mostly rain continue throughout the day, becoming heavy at times in the afternoon.
South West England - Yellow weather warning for snow and ice
Showery rain continues through Thursday, with heavier bursts at times and any sleet/snow turning to rain through the morning. Becoming milder from the southwest and strong winds at southern coasts.
Orkney & Shetland - Yellow weather warning for snow and ice
Scattered snow showers will continue, although becoming lighter and less frequent than recent days. Light winds.
Highland & Eilean Siar - Yellow weather warning for snow and ice
A mostly fine, dry day with plenty of sunshine, although there will be a few snow showers around northern and eastern coasts.
Grampian - Yellow weather warning for snow and ice
A mostly fine and dry day with sunny spells, although there will be a few snow showers at times around the coasts at first, these pushing further inland during the afternoon.
Central, Tayside & Fife - Yellow weather warning for snow
A mostly dry day. Plenty of sunshine in the morning. Some patchy cloud likely to build in the afternoon. Just a few isolated snow showers possible around the coast.
Strathclyde - Yellow weather warning for snow
A mostly dry day. Some sunshine in the morning, but cloud building from the south through the day. Perhaps snow spreading north later in the afternoon and during the evening.
Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian & Borders - Yellow weather warning for snow
A mostly dry day. Some sunshine in the morning, but cloud building from the south through the day. Perhaps snow spreading north later in the afternoon and during the evening.
Northern Ireland - Yellow weather warning for snow
A dry start with some brightness in the north, but outbreaks of snow spreading north during the afternoon and evening, with moderate falls possible over higher ground in the east.
Wales - Yellow weather warning for snow
Outbreaks of rain and snow continuing throughout the day, with heavy bursts at times, especially across the mountains. The sleet and snow will turning back to rain across the south as milder conditions arrive. Strong winds particularly at the coasts.
