Brits face an icy few days as heavy snow is set to fall in some areas of the country, with one area expecting at least nine inches later this week.
Temperatures have plummeted throughout the country as the wind and rain of last week has given way to an Arctic blast bringing -12C conditions in some areas.
Earlier today the Met Office issued an Amber National Severe Weather Warning (NSWWS) with heavy snow showers expected to fall until midnight tonight in the Highlands.
And maps by the Met Desk’s WX CHarts show the same area will get at least nine inches of snow come Thursday.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: ”The NSWWS runs from 3pm today to midnight as snow showers across the north Highlands become heavy and extend across the Grampians by this evening.
“Accumulations of 10 to 15 cms of snow are possible in places in a short space of time and strong to gale force winds could cause the snow to drift.
“Isolated thunderstorms are possible with lightning strikes an additional hazard.
“Showers will turn more to rain or sleet around coasts later with ice developing on untreated surfaces.”
The Met Office added more warnings are set to be issued in the coming days as the freezing conditions continue.
A number of snow and ice NSWWS have been in place across parts of southern England, North Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland with cold air continuing to push across the UK from the north.
Dale Hipkiss, national network manager at National Highways, said: “Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as ice and snow and take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected.
“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey, listen to the weather forecasts, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.
“We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling during the autumn and winter period, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather.
“It’s also a good idea for people to check vehicles’ tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”
The cold spell is set to come to an end later this week and through the weekend across western areas, where it will turn milder and windier with some rain at times.
The cold air is likely to hang on for longer across eastern and southeastern parts of the UK with sharp overnight frosts.
