Britain is set to be hit by an arctic blast this week, with temperatures plunging as low as -10C in some areas, making the country colder than Iceland. The Met Office has issued ice warnings for northern parts of Scotland, with snow expected on higher ground. The cold spell is forecast to intensify towards Thursday and Friday, which are expected to be the chilliest days.
According to the Met Office, temperatures could drop to -10C overnight in the Scottish mountains. Even in southern England, daytime temperatures may only reach single figures. The mercury is expected to fall as low as -3C in sheltered spots this weekend, with health watchdogs urging people to prepare for a prolonged cold snap.
Public Health England (PHE) has warned people to look out for those most vulnerable to the cold, including the elderly, young children, and those with heart or lung conditions. Dr Thomas Waite of PHE's Extreme Events team said: 'As the weather is going to get colder everywhere in the coming days, this is a really good time to check on those who may be at-risk.'
Snow has already been reported in parts of Scotland and the West Midlands, with further falls expected in higher parts of Wales, the Pennines, and Northern Ireland. Heading into next week, the Met Office has warned of snow as far south as Essex by Wednesday, with low-level snow near coasts in the East, Northern Britain, and Wales.
