With cold air from the Arctic crossing the UK a number of national severe weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued.
On a local level, a yellow warning for ice has been issued across Merseyside for Thursday and Friday, December 9. Forecasters say it is becoming increasingly cold, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -8C in the evening.
The outlook for Saturday to Monday, according to the Met Office is cold again with some wintry showers. It's not clear how long this cold spell will last, however, it is expected to stay cold into next week with temperatures remaining well below average for the time of year.
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Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: "As an Arctic maritime airmass settles across the UK temperatures will fall with widespread overnight frosts, severe in places, and daytime temperatures only a few degrees above freezing. However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells, particularly away from the coast and where winds are light it could feel pleasant in the sunshine. Some patchy freezing fog is also likely.
"Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for ice and snow have been issued for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the east coast and South West England. Showers will turn more wintry with an increasing risk of snow as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or over higher ground.
"There will be widespread frosts with temperatures falling to as low as -10C overnight in isolated spots by the end of the week. More severe weather warnings may be needed as we head through the week. Keep up to date on the latest weather warnings on our website."
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