Britons should brace themselves for a big freeze, forecasters have warned, as wintry conditions including the risk of snow sweep down the country thanks to a blast of cold air from the Arctic.
The cold, crisp conditions on Tuesday morning may be just the start of a spell of freezing weather, with sub-zero conditions likely to spread to the north-east, the Midlands and north of London by Wednesday, the Met Office said.
There is a yellow “be aware” weather warning for rain falling across western Scotland. It is expected to slowly move south-east, bringing a risk of snow over higher ground, with winds strengthening to become severe gales in some areas.
Forecaster Mark Wilson said there was “definitely some risk of snow” on Wednesday. “People should wrap up warm,” he said. “There is a potential that central parts of the UK could see some snow at lower levels. We do not expect to see significant accumulation.” Snowfall may be no more than 2cm (0.8in).
Heavy rain will reach northern and western England and Wales by dawn on Wednesday, with the possibility that it will turn to snow over the hills later. It will continue moving slowly south-eastwards, with the chance that snow could reach lower ground.
Wilson warned there could be freezing temperatures if it snows and “there is obviously a risk of ice as well”. However, the cold, wet and windy conditions will become much milder by Saturday, with temperatures reaching around 10C-12C, he added.
Western Scotland’s yellow warning for heavy rain runs from 10am on Tuesday through to midday on Wednesday. The Met Office expects about 25mm-40mm (1in-1.6in) of rainfall, or as much as 60mm (2.4in) on higher ground.
