UK snow forecast: Urgent weather warning for 6 hours…

UK snow forecast: Urgent weather warning for 6 hours of snowfall causing traffic chaos

Yellow weather warnings for frequent snow and ice have been issued for large swathes of the UK from 10am tomorrow until Friday morning.

The Met Office has issued the warnings after predictions show a band of rain will move eastwards across the UK during Thursday, bringing with it wintry showers.

Forecasters say many places will see one to two hours of snow with a risk of temporary slushy weather leading to difficult travel conditions.

A longer period of snow is expected over higher ground with 2-5 cm likely above 200-300 m, and 10-15 cm above 400 m.

Strong winds in higher areas will also lead to drifting and temporary blizzard conditions, the weather experts say.

A Met Office spokesman said: "Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services."

They added that there will "probably" be some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

Forecasters also warned of some brief power outages being possible due to a risk from isolated lightning strikes.

The news of snow and ice comes just days after the UK recorded the warmest New Year's Eve since records began.

Temperatures were expected to exceed those in both Nice and Rome.

Snow is likely to make travel in higher areas difficult if not treacherous (PA)

Forecasters for the Met Office said conditions are "ridiculously warm" for the time of year as the average daytime high for December is just 7.6C (45.7F) in England and Wales.

Temperatures were seen at 17.2C in some parts, smashing 2011's December 31 record of 14.8C set in Colwyn Bay in north Wales in 2011.

Recordings of 15.8C and 15.4C were measured in Merryfield, Somerset and Sutton Bonnington, Nottinghamshire, respectively.

Temperatures are expected to be 16C today in Nice and Rome while those in Cyprus will only enjoy 15C.

The regions and local authorities affected with snow and ice between 10am on Thursday and 11am on Friday are: