The UK is braced for snow from tomorrow as temperatures plummet to below freezing.
The Met Office has issued its first snow warning of this winter, with a rare Level 3 Cold Weather Alert also in place covering all of England from tomorrow (Wednesday). The alert - which is in place from 6pm tomorrow to 9am on Monday - warns of a '90 percent probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions' as an Arctic blast hits the UK.
It means the cold weather could increase health risks to vulnerable people and requires social and healthcare services to take action to protect high-risk groups. People have been urged to 'look out for family and friends who may be vulnerable to the cold' and make sure they have a warm enough home.
A yellow weather warning for snow has also been issued for northern Scotland on Wednesday, with the snow showers expected to bring travel disruption on the roads and railways. Met Office forecasters predict some snowfall further south as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or over higher ground.
Parts of Northern Ireland and north-east England could also see some of the white stuff later this week. So far, no snow is forecast for Greater Manchester, though this could change into the weekend if the wind direction alters.
Temperatures are set to plummet to as low as -10C overnight in some areas by the end of the week, forecasters predict. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, said: "Temperatures will start to dip this week, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing in many places from mid-week onwards.
"However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells in many areas, particularly away from the coast. Showers will turn more wintry as the week goes on with a risk of snow at times.
"A yellow National Severe Weather Warning for snow has been issued for Wednesday covering northern Scotland. We can expect to see some snow and wintry showers further south as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or over higher ground.
"There will be widespread frosts with temperatures falling to as low as -10°C overnight in isolated spots by the end of the week."
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