Temperatures plummeted towards subzero overnight as Arctic air descended upon the UK, with snow possible in some parts of the country today.
Inverness, Newcastle, and York were among the cities where it went as low as 1C (33F) in the early hours, but it also dropped that low as far south as Southampton, according to the Met Office.
Check the weather forecast where you are
It’s expected to get even colder throughout this week during the first cold snap of the year, as a spell of above-average temperatures comes to a brutal end.
It may feel “shocking” to some when they step out this morning, said Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler.
Multiple yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office for parts of Scotland and northern England until Thursday, while the UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold health alert for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber until Friday.
A yellow cold health alert affects the rest of England, with the cold air having made its way over from Siberia.
An amber warning means the weather is likely to cause “significant impacts across health and social care services”.
This includes an increase in demand for health services, and temperatures inside places like hospitals, care homes and clinics dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks.
It also means a possible rise in deaths, particularly among those 65 and over or with health conditions.
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While it’s set to be wet in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern and western parts of England and Wales today, the Met Office said there will be some sleet and snow mixed in.
Icy patches are also something to be wary of where it’s coldest, making for “difficult, slippery conditions”, warned meteorologist Alex Burkill.
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Where to expect snow
Snow is most likely in northern and eastern parts of Scotland, and the eastern side of England, he said, with more on Wednesday and Thursday.
While it will be colder than normal for this time of year in the south, snowfall is unlikely.
But stronger winds toward the end of the week will bring significant windchill, making it feel much colder than even the low temperatures would suggest.
Milder conditions should move in by the weekend.
