Scotland should prepare for one of the 'coldest nights' of the year tonight as temperatures are set to plunge to sub-zero conditions.
Scots are being warned to gear themselves up for temperatures as low as -6C alongside snow, frost and hail in a blast of cold weather from the Arctic.
Crisp sunshine is in the forecast across the country on Wednesday morning with frost and icy stretches in parts of Scotland, according to BBC Weather.
An icy cold wind coming from the northwest will have a 'bite' to it today as conditions dip tonight, especially down the east coast where extra cloud and a few showers are expected.
The mercury will dip even further on Friday as the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold weather alert on how to stay well during low temperatures.
Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said: "[There will be] Arctic air streaming down from the north delivering snow showers particularly in the far north east of the country before high pressure moves in from the west affecting mainly England and Wales and a stronger wind will develop in Scotland."
Wintry showers will bring hail and snow in Scotland down the east coast with an icy northerly wind, with temperatures well below freezing going into Thursday.
It is set to remain cold during Thursday although there will be bright skies in many areas.
Freezing temperatures on Friday could be the coldest this winter in the south.
Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said: "On Friday morning, there'll be a widespread frost. It'll be perhaps the coldest night of the winter for some southern parts of the country."
BBC weather forecaster Chris Fawkes also predicted icy conditions.
He said: "Another cold night to come on Thursday, if anything even colder across England and Wales plummeting the depths, temperatures could get down to about -5C, -6C in the coldest spots.”
It will be milder in the North West with more cloud cover but the south of the country will have the brighter skies during the day on Friday.
How to stay warm
Due to the freezing conditions the UKHSA has urged people to check neighbours are safe.
Agostinho Sousa, a consultant at the agency, said: "Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections."
He added: "Remind vulnerable relatives and neighbours to heat their home to at least 18C - particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 or older, or have a health condition. Should they need to go outside, it's important for them to wear shoes with a good grip."
UK five day forecast
Today:
A few showers for coastal parts east England and northeast Scotland, locally wintry during the morning. Isolated showers at first in Cornwall. Otherwise cold but dry and sunny for most. Cloudier in the north with a little rain possible later.
Tonight:
Dry and clear for most with light winds. Widespread frost for much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. Cloudier in the north and northwest with a little drizzle.
Friday:
Mostly dry with good sunny spells in the east and south. Cloudier in the north and northwest with a little drizzle, cloud gradually spreading southwards.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Increasing cloud for the weekend but remaining dry for most in the south with some patchy fog and frosts. Windier but milder with more light rain in the north.
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