Snow forecast: Met Office warns 25cm could hit UK areas as rare amber alert issued

A photographer has captured charming images of wild birds enjoying the Welsh snow on Wednesday.

Richard Bowler, who lives near Corwen, made fun use of the overnight snowfall by making a cute snowman.

He managed to spot birds including a blue tit and a robin checking out the new addition to his garden.

Richard said: "We had a couple of inches, unfortunately the sun is out and it is melting fast."

The Met Office has said thundersnow is forecast this week - a rare phenomenon that occurs when a thunderstorm forms in wintry conditions, creating heavy snowfall.

The weather agency explains: "When thundersnow occurs at night the lightning appears brighter - this is because the light reflects off the snowflakes.

"Interestingly, the snow contained within the thunderstorm acts to dampen the sound of the thunder.

"While the thunder from a typical thunderstorm might be heard many miles away, the thunder during a thundersnow event will only be heard if you are within 2 to 3 miles of the lightning."

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: "Temperatures are well below average for the time of year and could get as low as -10°C in rural parts of Scotland on Thursday night, with daytime temperatures generally in low single figures for many. With clear skies, overnight ice could create some particularly tricky travel conditions."

The Met Office has warned that the current cold snap could pose a health risk to over 65s.

According to legal experts, you are obligated to come to work even in snow if your workplace demands it - unless children are involved.

Your employer does not legally have to pay you if you fail to come in due to snow, unless the reason for your time off is due to childcare issues (e.g. a closed school).

Legal firm WBW says in advice to firms: "Employees are obliged to attend the office unless they are sick, on holiday, or on maternity leave, etc.

"Employees are therefore legally obliged to attend work, even in extreme weather conditions. This means that you are under no obligation to pay employees who cannot get to work due to the weather.

"The one exception to this is an employee’s right to time off for dependents. If an employee is unable to work due to school closures / childcare commitments then they will have a right to unpaid time off to provide emergency care."

Snow has fallen in Carrbridge in the Scottish Highlands.

The Met Office has updated some of its weather warnings for today, changing the times they're in place for and the areas affected.

The Met Office has updated its snow and ice warning for South West England and Wales, and its snow and ice warning for Northern Ireland.

The yellow alert for ice is now in effect from 12pm today and the area it will impact has been extended slightly further inland.

Northern Ireland's yellow alert was also changed to start at 12am today.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: "Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK’s weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather.

"As a result, winter hazards are likely through the next few days, with snow and ice a particular hazard, and the coldest conditions likely on Wednesday and Thursday.

"Wintry showers will affect areas exposed to the brisk northerly wind, in particular Northern Ireland, southwest Wales, southwest England, northeast England and across the northern half of Scotland."

The Met Office forecast for today says: "An icy start for some, with rain and some hill snow clearing southeastwards through the morning.

"Dry and brighter thereafter with sunny spells. Frequent wintry showers for areas exposed to the cold northerly wind, heavy snow in places."

Its forecast for tonight adds: "Blustery snow showers continue to affect areas exposed to the cold northern wind, with some accumulations, especially over high ground. Dry with clear skies elsewhere with a widespread frost."

National Highways has issued some advice for driving safely in the snow and ice.

It's now snowing in London this morning, from Canary Wharf in the east to Wimbledon in the west.

It looks unlikely to settle though due to the heavy rain this morning.

Snow also fell overnight in Northumberland.

Not many areas of the UK are lucky enough to escape the Met Office's weather warnings today.

More pictures from County Durham have captured the wintry conditions following overnight snowfall.

A snow and ice warning has been issued by the Met Office for parts of Northern Ireland from 12am until 12pm today.

The affected areas are:

County Antrim

County Armagh

County Down

County Fermanagh

County Londonderry

County Tyrone

A yellow ice warning has been issued by the Met Office for parts of England and Wales, in effect from 12am until 11am today.

The affected regions are

East Midlands

East England

London and the South East

North West England

South West England

West Midlands

Yorkshire and the Humber

Wales

A yellow snow and ice warning from the Met Office has been issued for areas of North England and Scotland from 12am today until 11.59pm tomorrow.

The affected areas are:

Darlington

Durham

Gateshead

Hartlepool

Middlesbrough

Newcastle upon Tyne

North Tyneside

Northumberland

Redcar and Cleveland

South Tyneside

Stockton-on-Tees

Sunderland

Scottish Borders

East Riding of Yorkshire

Kingston upon Hull

North Yorkshire

A Met Office snow and ice warning is in place from 12pm today until 11.5pm tomorrow for areas of South West England and Wales.

The affected areas are:

Cornwall

Devon

Plymouth

Carmarthenshire

Ceredigion

Pembrokeshire

Swansea

Snow fell overnight in County Durham amid weather warnings from the Met Office.

There are currently four Met Office yellow weather warnings in place - three for snow and ice, and one for ice.

The first snow and ice warning is for Northern Ireland, from 12am until 12 pm today.

The second is for North East England, South West Scotland and Lothian Borders, and Yorkshire and the Humber. It is in effect from 12am today until 11.59pm tomorrow.

The final snow and ice warning covers South West England and Wales from 12pm today until 11.59pm tomorrow.

Lastly, the ice warning is for the East Midlands, East England, London and the South East, North West England, South West England, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and Wales. It came into effect at 12am today and will end at 11am.

England's north east can expect cold and windy weather on Wednesday, November 19, the Met Office said.

Occasional wintry showers, with hail and sleet, can be expected over the east coast.

The day will be brighter and generally drier inland, but will still feel bitter with strong northerly winds.

A maximum temperature of 3°C is expected.

Yorkshire and Humber can expect overnight rain, sleet and hill snow to clear on Wednesday, November 19, to leave a cold and windy day with frequent wintry showers towards the east coast, the Met Office said.

Hail and sleet can also be expected.

It will be brighter elsewhere but strong northerly winds will leave the day feeling very cold.

A maximum temperature of 3°C can be expected.

The Met Office expects North West England to be cold but largely sunny for the next few days.

Wednesday, November 19, is expected to start out chilly, with icy stretches on untreated surfaces.

Early cloud is likely to clear, leaving the region with a largely dry and sunny day.

It will feeling cold despite the sunshine, particularly when exposed to the brisk northerly winds.

A maximum temperature of 5°C can be expected.

The Met Office said the west Midlands can expect a chilly start to Wednesday, November 19, with icy stretches on untreated surfaces.

Early cloud and hill snow could clear, leaving the region with a largely dry and sunny day. It is, however, likely to feel cold particularly when exposed to the brisk northerly winds.

A maximum temperature of 5°C can be expected.

The east Midlands can expect overnight rain to clear on Wednesday, November 19, leaving a cold and windy day with increasingly wintry showers down the east coast, the Met Office said.

It is forecast to be brighter elsewhere but will still feel cold with strong northerly winds.

A maximum temperature of 4°C can be expected.

The east of England can expect overnight rain to clear on Wednesday, November 19, to leave a cold and windy day with increasingly wintry showers over Norfolk, the Met Office forecasted.

A brigether Wednesday is forecasted elsewhere, but expect a cold day with strong northerly winds.

A maximum temperature of 5°C can be expected.

London and southeast England can expect long periods of rain through the morning of Wednesday, November 19, clearing to leave a cold, windy day with occasional showers in the east, the Met Office said.

It is expected to be brighter elsewhere but still feel cold with strong northerly winds.

A maximum temperature of 5°C can be expected.

Southwest England could expect rain and hill snow in the east to clear, leaving brighter skies on Wednesday, November 19, the Met Office said.

Showers could be seen across Cornwall and west Devon to turn wintery at times.

It will feel cold in brisk winds, with a maximum temperature of 7°C.

Frequent wintry showers, leading to significant snow accumulations, are likely to cause disruption on Thursday.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Frequent wintry showers, leading to significant snow accumulations, are likely to cause disruption on Thursday, November 21.

Heavy snow showers are likely to batter parts of the UK, weather maps turning white as far as Plymouth have suggested. The freezing weather conditions will lead to a massive drop in temperature levels in just days, with a possibility of unbearable -9C in a few areas, according to the maps.

According to the Met Office, things will be drier for many by Friday, with temperatures gradually turning milder and rain reaching the west later in the day.

It further explained: "There are signals for fronts of rain to cross from west to east on Saturday, with potentially further wet and windy weather for many on Sunday."

The Met Office's long-range forecast between November 23 and December 2 reads: "Atlantic weather fronts will continue to spread east bringing spells of rain or showers, potentially quite widely.

"Over subsequent days showery conditions will likely continue but there will be some brighter spells at times. There is also a chance of Atlantic frontal systems moving in from the west at times and temporary periods of northerly flow that may lead to some wintry showers.

"Temperatures will be a little below normal. A westerly dominated pattern will likely persist through to the end of November with outbreaks of rain or showers and temperatures near to or a little below normal.

"There could however still be some wintry showers at times in the north. Areas of low pressure may bring longer spells of rain and periods of strong winds at times."

Dr Ron Cook, NHS 24 Executive Medical Director said: "With icy conditions expected, we urge everyone to wrap up warmly and take extra care when outside. Cold weather can be particularly challenging for older people, young children, and those with long-term health conditions, so please check on neighbours and loved ones to ensure they have what they need to stay warm and safe.

“Simple steps like wearing sturdy footwear and allowing more time for journeys can help prevent slips and falls. Also remember cold air can also make breathing difficult for people with asthma or COPD. Keep your medication handy and try to limit time outdoors during severe cold spells.”

The Met Office advised: "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."

The Met Office issued a rare amber warning of snow on Tuesday that is likely to cause disruption in the coming days. The snow alert will be in place on November 20 from 5am to 9pm and will impact areas of North East England and Yorkshire and Humber, the Met Office shared.

The Met Office has shared five tips for driving in icy conditions, in partnership with National Highways.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstong said: "Temperatures are well below average for the time of year and could get as low as -11°C in rural parts of Scotland on Thursday night, with daytime temperatures generally in low single figures for many. With clear skies, overnight ice could create some particularly tricky travel conditions."

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: "Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK’s weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather.

"As a result, winter hazards are likely through the next few days, with snow and ice a particular hazard, and the coldest conditions likely on Wednesday and Thursday. Wintry showers will affect areas exposed to the brisk northerly wind, in particular Northern Ireland, southwest Wales, southwest England, northeast England and across the northern half of Scotland.

"Whilst not all places will see lying snow, where showers are most frequent accumulations of 2-5 cm will be possible. On higher ground in Scotland, 15-20 cm could accumulate, and potentially as much as 15-25 cm over the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds."

The Met Office has issued new weather warnings for Wednesday.

A new snow and ice warning has been issued by the Met Office for Northern Ireland, in place from 12am until 12pm tomorrow.

The affected areas are:

County Antrim

County Armagh

County Down

County Fermanagh

County Londonderry

County Tyrone

The Met Office said: "Snow showers will feed inland on brisk northerly winds from late Tuesday through Wednesday and into Thursday, giving significant accumulations in places.

"Whilst there will be a lot of regional variation in amounts, where showers are most frequent 2-5 cm will be possible at low levels, with 5-10 cm on hills above about 100 m elevation, and potentially as much as 15-20 cm above 300 m."

A yellow ice warning from the Met Office is now in place across areas of England and Wales from 12am until 11am tomorrow.

The affected regions are:

East Midlands

East of England

London and the South East

North West England

South West England

West Midlands

Yorkshire and the Humber

Wales

A new Met Office warning for snow and ice has been issued for parts of England and Scotland from 12am tomorrow until 11.59pm on Thursday.

The affected regions are:

North East England

Yorkshire and the Humber

South West Scotland and Lothian Borders

The Met Office has issued three new weather warnings: two yellow laerts for snow and ice, and one yellow alert for ice.

The ice warning is in place from 12am until 11am tomorrow, covering areas of England and Wales.

The first snow and ice warning is in place from 12am tomorrow until 11.59pm on Thursday, and covers areas of England and Scotland.

Finally, the second snow and ice warning is in place from 12am until 12pm tomorrow and covers areas of Northern Ireland.

A snow plough was put to work this morning in Nenthead, Cumbria as light dustings of snow gathered.

Rain, snow and sleet will move across the UK this afternoon, the Met Office said.

Pictures show snow pouring in Kingussie, the Scottish Highlands.

The Met Office said: "You could be without food, heat or light if you are cut off by snow and can't access services and amenities for a number of days.

"Act now and be prepared, by getting the essentials together that you could need: torches and batteries; candles and matches or lighters; plenty of blankets and warm clothing."

Met Office presenter and meteorologist, Aidan McGivern, said: "We start off Tuesday with a real mixed bag across the UK. We've got plenty of showers into Scotland, Northern England, Northern Ireland.

"Again, some upland snow for Scotland and further showers for the south of England. Perhaps some more prolonged rain coming along later. But in between, plenty of sunshine, particularly through Wales, the Midlands, Easter, and England.

"And with the winds more of a south-westerly, it's going to be less cold compared with the weekend. 16°C in the south, 12°C to 13°C for many other places.

"Then we go into Tuesday evening with those showers continuing. A blustery wind for western Scotland, Northern Ireland as well in particular. And those showers becoming more prolonged, heavier at times as well."

It is now snowing in Scotland, according to posts by locals on social media.

It's due to snow in five Scottish regions today, according to the Met Office's yellow weather warnings.

Central, Tayside and Fife: Angus, Perth and Kinross, and Stirling

Grampian: Aberdeenshire, Moray

Highlands and Eilean Siar

Strathclyde: Argyll and Bute

Orkney and Shetland

The Met Office advises: "Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous.

"Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey. Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary.

"If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger)."

The Met Office forecast for today reads: "A bright, frosty start for many in the south and east.

"Outbreaks of rain further north and northwest extending southeast to most parts through the day, with snow and ice affecting some northern areas. Feeling cold in the breeze.

"Outbreaks of rain, with some snow, moving south and becoming confined to England and Wales overnight. Clearer, but with wintry showers, a widespread frost and some ice developing further north."

There are currently weather warnings in place for parts of Scotland and England as snow and ice bring potentially treacherous conditions.

A yellow snow and ice warning is in place from 8pm today until 9pm tomorrow for areas of scotland.

It covers:

Central, Tayside & Fife

Grampian

Highlands & Eilean Siar

Orkney & Shetland

Strathclyde

The alert reads: "Frequent snow showers from late Tuesday through Wednesday and Thursday may lead to some disruption."

The Met Office has put a yellow ice warning in place from 5am until 12pm today, covering areas of Scotland and England.

The affected regions are:

Central, Tayside and Fife

North East England

North West England

South West Scotland and Lothian Borders

Strathclyde

Yorkshire and the Humber

The alert states: "Outbreaks of rain and hill snow, falling on subzero surfaces, could lead to some icy conditions on Tuesday morning."

The Met Office has issued a yellow snow warning, in place today from 3am until 8pm.

It covers:

Central, Tayside and Fife: Angus, Perth and Kinross, and Stirling

Grampian: Anberdeenshire and Moray

Highlands and Eilean Siar: Highland

Strathclyde: Argyll and Bute

The alert states: "A period of snow on Tuesday could bring some disruption to transport and infrastructure across higher parts of Scotland."

The Met Office has put three yellow warnings in place today:

A snow and ice alert for areas of Scotland

An ice alert for areas of Scotland, Yorkshire, North East England, and North West England

A snow warning for areas of Scotland

A bright, frosty start for many in the south and east. Outbreaks of rain further north and northwest extending southeast to most parts through the day, with snow and ice affecting some northern areas. Feeling cold in the breeze.

The Met Office has issued advice this Tuesday morning for those travelling on UK roads and have warned the public to take caution when out and about.

A spokesperson said: “Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls.

“If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.

“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

“Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”

Cold weather warnings are coming into force across Scotland as icy conditions continue.

The Met Office has yellow weather warnings across almost all of Scotland, with the exception of some parts of the east and west coast, and Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The warnings are for ice and snow, some of which end on Wednesday. Warnings remain for north Scotland and the Hebrides until Thursday.

There are no further warnings for the remainder of the week.

By Wednesday, November 19, the Met Office reports that we’ll 'all be firmly under the colder Arctic airmass', with a strong and very cold northerly flow making temperatures feel even colder.

Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree explained: “Wednesday to Friday will be the coldest part of the week, and this period has the greatest potential for impactful weather, with multiple warnings in place. Overnight, temperatures could get down to minus ten, with a significant wind chill from the strong northerly wind making things feel even colder.

“Wintry snow showers are expected to extend south through Wednesday and into Thursday, mainly affecting north facing coastal areas. Snow accumulations are possible, including 2-5 cm to some low-lying areas in the north and east where showers are frequent. On hills in parts of Northern Ireland, the northeast of England and Scotland, 5-10 cm of snow could fall and accumulations of 15-20cm are possible above 300 metres in parts of northeastern England and Scotland."

On Thursday, November 20, northern areas are more likely to have sleet and snow with some showers across western parts.

Scotland and the eastern side of northern England can expect snow, which might cause “some disruption”.

Thursday night into Friday will be a “particularly chilly night” with “widespread harsh frost”.

Met office meteorologist Alex Burkill said cold air is coming from Siberia and crossing over the Arctic ocean to the UK.

Wet weather is expected across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern and western parts of England and Wales on Tuesday.

“With that cold air we have across us, no wonder we are going to see some sleet and snow mixed in with that as well,” Mr Burkill added.

Icy patches are expected across the country on Tuesday, which may lead to some “difficult, slippery conditions”, and parts of Scotland may see snow.

Frequent snow showers from late Tuesday through Wednesday and Thursday may lead to some disruption, according to the Met Office.

The yellow weather warning is in place from 6am on Tuesday, November 18 until 9pm on Thursday, November 20.

BBC Weather says icy rain is expected to hit the capital early on Thursday morning (November 20).

The Met Office's forecast for Tuesday warns of unsettled conditions.

It reads: "A bright, frosty start for many. However, rain in the northwest will soon spread southeastwards bringing some snow across higher ground in the north. Breezy and feeling cold for all."

The colder conditions are all set to hit the UK.

The Met Office has shared an important heating trick for Britons left isolated in snowy conditions as the Government agency issued weather warnings for the days ahead.

In its advice for staying safe, if you're cut off, it recommends keeping the thermostat set to the same temperature, both during the day and at night.

Weather maps from WXCharts show wintry conditions are likely to impact areas as far as Birmingham, with temperatures plummeting to -10C in some parts of the country.

RAC experts give the lowdown on what to put in your winter car kit:

Ice scraper and de-icer In-car phone charger Warm clothes and blankets High-visibility clothing Jump leads Empty Fuel Can Food and Drink Shovel Warning Triangles Sunglasses

Icy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys:

Plan your route. Check for delays and road closures. Leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off. Check wipers, tyres, and screen wash. Pack essentials in your car (warm clothing, food, drink, blanket, torch). Take a fully charged mobile phone. Pack an in-car charger.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "This is the first prolonged cold spell of the season, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.

"The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions."

It is safer not to drive in icy conditions, but if you absolutely must drive, keep yourself and others safe by:

Grampian

Aberdeen

Aberdeenshire

Moray

Highlands & Eilean Siar

Highland

Central, Tayside & Fife

Angus

Perth and Kinross

Highlands & Eilean Siar

Na h-Eileanan Siar

Highland

Orkney & Shetland

Orkney Islands

Shetland Islands

Strathclyde

Argyll and Bute

Advice from the Met Office recommends staying active when temperatures are cold – even if you are stuck inside because of the weather – as this will help your body to keep warm, and thereby help to stave off winter illnesses like colds, flu and more serious health problems.

In its cold weather advice, the forecaster says: "With many of us having to spend more time at home it can make it harder to keep active. It’s important to continue to do what you can to stay active as this can help with both your physical and mental health.

"Try to keep moving when you are indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Break up your time spent being inactive by walking around your home or standing up from your chair when you are on the phone.

"It doesn’t matter what you do to keep active, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving. There is strong evidence that people who are active have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, depression and can also reduce the risk of falling."

The Beast from the East, which saw temperatures across the UK plummet and up to 20 inches of snow blanket parts of the country in February 2018, was caused by a weather phenomenon known as sudden stratospheric warming (SSW).

Netweather forecaster Nick Finnis suggests that SSW could occur around November 25 and 26 "due to a significant warming of the stratosphere taking place from the Canadian side of the polar region, which looks to displace the stratospheric polar vortex from its usual home over the Arctic towards northern Russia and north-east Europe".

Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive of Age Scotland said: "We’d urge everyone to check in on older family, friends and neighbours during periods of extreme weather.

"Small gestures such as clearing and salting paths, or offering to collect essentials can make a huge difference – particularly for older people who live alone."

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: "Wednesday to Friday will be the coldest part of the week, and this period has the greatest potential for impactful weather, with multiple warnings in place.

"Overnight, temperatures could get down to minus ten, with a significant wind chill from the strong northerly wind making things feel even colder."

The Met Office has given its forecast for Tuesday afternoon.

Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen said: "Scattered showers feed into the northeast and far north of mainland Scotland on Monday night, bringing a risk of icy conditions on roads and pavements.

"An area of rain will reach the west of Scotland early on Tuesday morning, with a risk of this turning to snow as it moves inland.

"Whilst there is some uncertainty as to the exact track and extent, a period of snow is likely over high ground, with accumulations of 2-5 cm possible above about 150 metres in elevation, and as much as 5-10 cm above 400 metres.

"This period of snow could bring some disruption to travel and infrastructure across higher parts of Scotland."

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold health alert for the North West of England, North East of England, Yorkshire and The Humber.

Other areas are under a yellow warning.

Temperatures could drop to as low as -10C this week, which is likely to cause "significant impacts across health and social care services".

You can check the forecast where you are using our interactive weather map to see if snow is expected near you.

The Met Office has said while this afternoon will be dry and sunny for much of the UK, the weather will turn colder as the week progresses.

Met Office Meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said snow showers will be restricted to the far north of Scotland, particularly over higher ground. She said snow will accumulate in Scotland on Tuesday.

The risk of snow is expected by the forecaster to spread in northern and western areas, with a rural frost expected tonight.

Wintry hazards are expected to become more widespread overnight as rain pushes in to parts of Scotland and north west England.

A chilly start is expected on Tuesday, with snow on higher ground in Scotland and the Pennines.

Ms Shuttleworth said there will be some sleet but not widespread accumulations of snow.

Snow is expected to accumulate more over parts of Scotland on Tuesday, according to the Met Office.

Coastal areas will feel especially cold tomorrow too, especially in the north. More frost is expected on Tuesday night, which will be chilly again.

A yellow warning for snow and ice applies between 6pm on Tuesday and 9pm on Thursday. It includes the following areas: Strathclyde, Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands, Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland.

A second yellow warning for snow and ice comes into force at 6am on Wednesday and lasts until 6pm on Thursday. It covers Yorkshire & Humber and North East England.

Another yellow warning starts at 6am on Wednesday and applies until 6pm on Thursday. It includes Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders.

People in those areas are being warned of possible travel delays, impassable paths, a risk of injury on icy surfaces, power cuts, and the possibility of rural communities being cut off.

The Met Office has just issued yellow weather warnings for two UK regions.

A snow warning is in place for four regions of Scotland from 3am until 6pm on Tuesday.

Dustings are likely to cover high ground, with 2cm to 5cm possible in areas above 150m elavation and 5cm to 10cm above 400m.

Elsewhere in Scotland, two yellow ice warnings have been issued. One of them is in effect from 7pm today until 10am tomorrow, and covers Grampian and Highlands and Eilean Siar.

For more details click here.

The latest weather maps show at 9am tomorrow snow will stretch from the Scottish highlands to Blackpool. The deepest snow is expected in Scotland, reaching 5cm, according to the maps.

The RAC has warned drivers to beware of hazardous conditions on UK roads as a result of the cold weather.

Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said there's potential for freezing temperatures to make roads hit by heavy rain very slippery with a chance of ice.

She added: "We expect breakdown volumes to be around 10% higher than what's normal for this time of year, which equates to around 1,000 more people needing our help each day.

"Normal indicators of autumn, like fallen leaves on the road, can also become very hazardous in icy conditions as they create an extra layer between tyres and the road surface, increasing the likelihood of skidding."

Met Office Meteorologist Honor Criswick said it will feel like winter has come early today, but there will be "wall to wall" blue skies for many.

It will be mostly dry, though there may be showers around North Sea coasts which could turn wintry over higher ground in Scotland and even beyond southern Scotland.

Parts of the south will see highs of 9-10C while elsewhere the mercury will range from mid-to-low single figures.

In "brisk" northerly winds it will feel much chillier, according to the Met Office's expert.

She said it will feel more like freezing across Aberdeenshire. Temperatures will dip as soon as the sun goes down this evening with more patchy frost expected.

By Tuesday morning, snow is forecast as showers merge into longer spells of rain in parts of Scotland and fall into cold air, meaning some will wake up to snow tomorrow.

The Met Office has explained how snow and ice are possible after our recent spell of above-average temperatures.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley said: "As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the north west will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK.

"This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.

"There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as minus 7C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country.

"Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill."

Mr Holley said this will be a notable change in our weather after a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures.

He said people should keep an eye on the forecast in their area as it is possible warnings may be issued for snow and ice at times.

A cold weather warning is coming into force, with warnings of snow and ice amid plummeting temperatures.

Widespread cold conditions and some wintry hazards are expected across the country this week (see the post below).

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather warning for parts of the Midlands and northern England from today (November 17).

The alert came into place at 8am and lasts until 8am next Friday. It covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.

The Met Office has posted the video forecast below which neatly sums up what it expects this week as an icy blast from the Arctic pushes southwards across the country.

Monday starts cold and will feel like freezing thanks to the added wind chill.

Tuesday looks set to be showery and cold, while Wednesday will start off frosty and include icy stretches, according to the forecaster.

The sun puts in an appearance on Thursday after another frosty start and wintery showers should ease by Friday.

Good morning and welcome to our live blog. I'll be bringing you the latest on when and where snow is forecast, as well as more weather news.