07 February 2024 , 10:29
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Rare freezing rain is expected to hit the UK as new weather maps show an Arctic front bringing widespread wintry weather.
As much as 10 inches of snow could land in parts of the country tomorrow, according to the Met Office, with temperatures set to drop as low as -10C overnight.
Motorists have been warned to watch out for the double threat of snow and freezing rain, which can become solid on impact with car windscreens.
Much of the UK will be under weather warnings for snow and ice between Wednesday and Friday, with only a few areas in the south escaping the onslaught.
An amber warning from the Met Office reads: "Snow is expected to develop during Thursday morning and become persistent and at times heavy by the afternoon before slowly easing through the evening. Across the warning area, 10-15 cm of snow is expected quite widely but some places, particularly above 300 metres, may see 25 cm of snow."
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
"Strong and gusty easterly winds may lead to some drifting in places. It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe. If you must drive, do this more safely by: using dipped headlights; accelerating gently, using low revs and changing to higher gears as quickly as possible."
Weather map for Thursday 8 FebruaryThe drastic weather change comes as Arctic air begins to push the mild Atlantic air southwards across country, bringing back more typically wintry conditions. This clash of cold and hot air creates a "battleground" of different weather fronts, resulting in heavy snow. the UK Health Security Agency has also issued a number of yellow cold health alerts for the Midlands, North East and North West, and forecasters have warned of possible difficult driving conditions.
Freezing rain has also been forecast for the middle of Wales on Thursday evening. Freezing rain describes precipitation that falls as raindrops, but turns into ice almost immediately after impact. The Met Office has described it as a "rare" weather event that could cause extensive damage to trees and buildings.