Millions of commuters could face travel disruption on their return to work on Tuesday, with icy conditions forecast for London and large swaths of England and Wales.
Forecasters warned that roads may be treacherous after subzero temperatures overnight on Monday across most of Britain, with up to 5cm of snow on high ground.
A Met Office severe weather warning for ice is in place for east Wales and a large stretch of England, from Manchester to the west Midlands and south-east to the capital.
Frank Saunders, the Met Office’s chief meteorologist, said: “We are advising commuters to pay particular attention to the potential for ice and frost to affect journeys tomorrow morning.
“Although most gritted surfaces will stay ice-free, there is a particular for risk that pavements and untreated roads, especially minor ones, could be very slippery.
“A very cold night is in store for many and, as moister air comes in to contact with cold surfaces later, there is the potential for a lot of frost to form, rendering some surfaces hazardous.”
Large areas of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England were worst hit by the cold snap on Monday, with a severe weather warning for ice in place from the Scottish Highlands down to Yorkshire.
But it is the south of England that will start the new year with the coldest temperatures. The mercury will fall to -6C in the Oxfordshire village of Benson on Monday and into Tuesday, while temperatures will reach -3C in Reading and -2C in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
In its severe weather warning for central England and east Wales, the Met Office said: “Please be aware that untreated surfaces, such as pavements and some minor roads, are likely to turn very slippery later Monday night and on Tuesday morning. A few freezing fog patches are also possible.”
The yellow weather warning – meaning be aware – was in force until 10am on Tuesday, although the hazardous driving conditions may persist into Tuesday in the worst-affected areas.
Millions of commuters will return to work on Tuesday after the Christmas break and bank holiday Monday.
Rod Dennis, a spokesman for the RAC, urged motorists to stick to major routes, which were more likely to be gritted.
He said: “Drivers are facing a mix of hazards, notably much colder conditions. Any lingering fog calls for drivers to adjust their speed and maintain longer stopping distances and to use dipped headlights. Only use your car’s fog lights if visibility is badly reduced, as using them when it’s not means you risk dazzling other drivers.
“Motorists should remember that if their car thermometer records a temperature of 4C (39F) or lower, there is a good chance the road temperature is near or even below freezing, meaning a very real risk of ice and slippery roads.”
The AA said Tuesday was typically the busiest of the year for breakdowns as many vehicles were left unused over the festive period.
Its spokesman, Max Holdstock, said: “The first working day back in January is traditionally one of the busiest days of the year for breakdowns, with flat batteries the main culprit. The issue is that many cars get left unused for up to a fortnight in often cold conditions, which causes the power output of the battery to drop.
“If your car has been left sitting idle or has been used for mostly short, stop-start journeys, ideally trickle charge the battery. Or, if weather conditions permit, take it out before Monday for at least half an hour to boost the battery.”
