TEMPERATURES could drop to as low as -12C as a cold snap continues to grip the UK with snow, ice, heavy rain and strong winds causing travel chaos.
Multiple yellow and amber weather warnings were issued over the weekend with several remaining in place today.
The whole of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England remain under yellow warnings for ice and snow.
Further warnings cover the east of England and west of Wales as well as Devon and Cornwall.
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold weather health alerts for all regions of England – lasting until Friday January 9.
Tonight temperatures will drop to well below freezing with some areas forecast to experience a chilling -12C.
Wintry showers across Wales and the southwest of England will persist throughout the day and rain, sleet and snow is expected to move south-eastwards across the UK.
The Met Office has warned there could be some travel disruption, with roads and railways likely to be affected by the cold snap.
Brits are warned to expect longer journey times by road, bus and train services.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said: “The UK will continue to experience a range of winter weather hazards through this week, with low temperatures as well as snow showers and the risk of ice for many.
“A number of severe weather warnings have been issued and these are likely to be updated through the week so do keep up to date with the forecast.”
As the tail end of the snowfall and sub-zero temperatures fade the country is set to be battered by heavy rain and strong winds.
On Thursday and Friday, there is potential for heavy rain to lash the south coast as the northern parts of the country experience further snowfall.
As much as 1–5cm of rain is likely to fall in northern England and up to 10–15cm in central and eastern Scotland, the Met Office said.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, explains: “While we’re confident an area of low pressure will move in from the west on Thursday and into Friday, the exact position of that low pressure is uncertain at this stage.
“The position is important as it will determine the type of severe weather different locations may experience.
“The most likely scenario at this stage is for low pressure to track near the south coast.
“Near and south of the low, heavy rain and strong winds are more likely, whilst snow could accumulate to the north as it encounters cold air.
“As confidence increases in the track of the low pressure, so will the detail of the weather impacts so it is important to stay up to date with the weather forecast through the week.”
It comes as hundreds of schools were shut yesterday across the UK, while flights were cancelled and trains disrupted.
Thousands of pupils remained at home for a second snow day as the Met Office issued amber weather warnings for ice and snow.
The first day back to school and work was called off for many as temperatures plummeted below freezing on Monday.
Overnight a Baltic blast saw figures plunge as low as -10C in northern Scotland.
The Met Office issued an amber alert for snow covering large parts of Aberdeenshire and northern Scotland.
Some schools could again be closed today as arctic air continues to bring snow and sub-zero temperatures to parts of the country.
Met Office five day forecast
Today:
Rain, sleet and snow moves in from the northwest today, with heavy and persistent snow affecting parts of Scotland. Sunny spells and wintry showers elsewhere. Another very cold day with strengthening winds.
Tonight:
Rain, sleet and snow moves across the south this evening, eventually clearing overnight. Clear skies for many with a sharp frost and ice. Further snow moving into northern Scotland later.
Wednesday:
Dry for many with sunny spells. Scattered wintry showers continuing in Scotland and some western areas. Rather windy, with coastal gales developing in places, and feeling very cold.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Staying cold with frontal systems pushing in from the west. A mixture of rain, sleet and snow will move across the country at times with a risk of strong winds.
