Heavy snowfall forecast for large parts of the country could leave the UK looking like a winter wonderland.
As much as six inches of snow could fall on parts of the UK ahead of the turn of the New Year, the Met Office has warned.
With the prospect of a blanketing and dangerous icy patches, the national weather forecaster has issued a yellow weather warning lasting for the next four days.
The snowfall is expected to move in tonight over inland parts of southern Scotland and northern England.
Coastal areas are likely to be hit with rainfall and below freezing temperatures.
People in Sheffield, Leeds and Bradford could wake up to a dusting if snow forecast for the early hours does indeed arrive.
The Peak District, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Midlands, parts of Wales and the south west tomorrow may also seem some flakes fall tomorrow.
Sub-zero temperatures are expected in large parts of the UK on Tuesday, threatening to cause dangerous conditions on the roads and pavements.
Glasgow is likely to endure bitingly cold temperatures of -4C.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “An Atlantic frontal system looks likely to bring rain into parts of southwestern Britain on Wednesday.
“As this moves further east into colder air there is a chance of this rain turning to snow.
"The extent of any snow is very uncertain, but 2 to 5 cm could fall across a swathe of southern Wales, central and southern England, with a small chance of 10 to 15 cm settling in a few places, most likely on high ground above 200 metres.
“As the rain and snow clears on Wednesday night there is a risk of widespread ice forming on untreated surfaces.”
While the prospect of a winter wonderland may entice Brits out onto the streets and hilltops, coronavirus restrictions mean many millions of people have been told not to venture out unnecessarily.
Snowdonia mountain rescuers have urged the public to follow coronavirus lockdown rules by not driving to beauty spots.
Wales went back into lockdown on Boxing Day to tackle rising cases of Covid-19, after rules were relaxed for Christmas Day only.
Cars were seen parked at Pen-y-Pass and Ogwen Valley in Snowdonia today as day-trippers flocked to see snow-covered mountains.
Other parts of the country also received a blanketing last night.
Up to 4in fell in the North West, West Midlands and Wales as an Arctic blast hit just hours after Storm Bella battered the UK with 100mph winds and heavy rain.
Drivers had to abandon their cars as heavy snow left major routes impassable.
Police in Gloucestershire urged motorists to take care in treacherous driving conditions.
They also warned the public to only venture outside if their journey was “essential” after overnight snowfall.
Staffordshire Police said up to 3in of snow in the county had caused “serious disruption”.
