The UK is bracing for a significant drop in temperatures and widespread frost overnight, as an Arctic blast brings the first taste of winter. The Met Office has issued several yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across large parts of the country, with up to 20cm of snow expected in the worst-affected areas.
Monday morning recorded the coldest night of the season so far, with a low of -7.8°C at Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands. Many households had to de-ice their car windscreens for the first time this winter, following an unusually mild and dry start to November.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued its first amber cold weather health alert of the season, warning that conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly. Age UK has also urged extra caution.
Yellow warnings for rain, sleet and snow are in place from Monday evening until Tuesday morning, covering areas from Northumberland and Cumbria down to north Wales and the Midlands. In Northern Ireland and northern Scotland, separate warnings for snow and ice are active. Forecasters predict up to 20cm of snow on hills above 300 metres, with 5-10cm possible at lower levels, particularly in parts of Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
The Met Office's Nicola Maxey said the cold air from the Arctic maritime air mass will push across the whole country by midweek, bringing widespread frost. Temperatures could drop to -2°C in London, -4°C in Birmingham, and -7°C further north by Friday.
Drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys and pack essential winter items, including warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, torch, ice scraper, warning triangle, hi-vis vest, and in-car phone charger. Travel disruption is likely, with Merseyrail activating its cold weather plan to check conditions before passenger services.
