UK Weather Forecast: Snow and ice warning as -5C frost makes it colder than Reykjavik

The Met Office has issued a snow and ice warning that will remain in place until 10am Wednesday morning, while temperatures are expected to drop to -5C in the coming days

Brits are warned of snow and ice as temperatures plummet to -5C, making it colder than Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik.

Arctic air has moved in from the north, bringing a shocking return to wintry conditions after last week’s mild weather when there were highs of 20C.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice in northern Scotland, which runs through Tuesday evening and 10am Wednesday morning.

It states: “Snow and hail showers result in ice formation on untreated surfaces and dangerous driving conditions.”

People have been told: “Likely some icy patches on some untreated roads, sidewalks and bike lanes, leading to an increased likelihood of accidents and injuries.

“Snow is expected to affect some roads and railways, resulting in longer travel times by car, bus and train.”

A BBC weather map shows temperatures falling as low as -5C on Wednesday morning, while maps from WXCharts show similarly cold prospects on Thursday, where most of the country will be below zero.

The cold snap is making the UK even colder than Reykjavik, which is set to stay above zero for the week ahead.

Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said: “Snow and ice warning in northern Scotland through Tuesday and Wednesday and eventually arctic air cords across the country.

“Let’s look at the big picture and you can see the yellows just fading as this weather front descends to more southerly areas on Wednesday.

“A warning in the north as this north/north east wind will bring snow showers across more northerly and easterly areas through Wednesday and Thursday. The air is generally becoming much colder with the risk of frost.”

On Wednesday it will remain cool all day.

“Frosty and freezing start across Scotland, it’s getting cold,” said Ms Nasir.

“We will see brighter skies emerge and eventually the clouds clear from the border regions. Approaching Northern Ireland, the rain will drop through much of the province in the morning. Rain also over the northern counties of England and across the Midlands, East Anglia and some irregular rain also for North Wales.”

But then there will be colder air behind that front.

Ms Nasir continued: “We have been able to see some snow over the Pennines and certainly some snow showers moving across the north east of England also northern and eastern areas of Scotland where the wind will make them push further inland and bring quite a bit will be a significant wind chill.”

UK forecast for the next 5 days

After a rain shower it will become colder with wintry showers.

Today:

Rain and snow on the hills continue south across England and Wales. Fairly cloudy with some scattered showers ahead, but bright and cold in the north, with heavy sleet, hail and snow showers.

This evening:

Clear periods in the north with wintry showers and widespread frosts. In the south, rain, sleet and hill snow continue southeast.

Thursday:

Rain, sleet and hillside snow cleared during the morning in south east England. Elsewhere chills with sunshine and blustery winter showers – these are most common in the north and east.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Cold for all with sunshine and wintry rain showers most common in the eastern coastal areas. Overnight through Saturday there may be rain or sleet in western areas. Less cold Sunday.