The Met Office has warned of ice for much of Scotland on Friday, and heavy rain in England and Wales are forecast on Saturday, in the first weekend of the new year as much of Britain return to work.
Forecasters issued a yellow-level warning of ice across Scotland between 2pm and 11pm on Friday, which may lead to difficult driving conditions. Some showers will be heavy with an added risk of hail and lightning.
In a statement, the Met Office said: “The public are advised to be extra vigilant with a risk of local disruption.”
There are also warnings of strong winds in Shetland and the Northern Isles, which could bring gusts of 65mph. In the most exposed areas gusts of wind could possibly reach 75mph.
Wintery showers of rain and snow are forecast on higher ground on Friday evening as temperatures drop.
Heavy and persistent rain on Saturday is predicted to spread eastwards across England and Wales, with snow falling over high ground in the north. A Met Office spokesman said it was not expected to be severe but the situation was being monitored.
“This weather is not as severe as last year’s very strong winds and heavy rains. This is pretty standard weather in January,” the spokesman added.
