The UK will stay cold through this week with the risk of sleet and snow at times continuing, especially in northern and eastern coastal areas. Overnight frosts will be severe in places and we will continue to see some freezing fog patches.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said: “The cold conditions will remain in situ during this week.  In many places daytime temperatures will struggle to get above freezing, while overnight temperatures have the potential to drop below -10 C in rural parts of Scotland.”

Although these temperatures aren’t exceptional for winter in the UK, it is the most significant and widespread spell of cold conditions since February 2021.

Matthew Lehnert continued: “During Monday many national severe weather warnings are in force for ice over south-east England with a warning of snow and ice for northern Scotland. Warnings for snow and ice will continue to be a feature of the forecast until the end of the week. By the end of the weekend there is a signal that we may see a shift in type away from the Arctic-dominated conditions with milder and wetter weather coming in from the Atlantic. This transition could bring the risk of significant, but highly transient, snowfall before quickly turning to rain.

“While the freezing conditions remain, drivers especially are reminded that freezing fog, snow and other wintry hazards will continue to create difficult conditions in places this week.”

More severe weather warnings for wintry hazards could well be needed as we head through the weekend and next week. Keep up to date on the latest weather warnings on our website."

The cold air from the Arctic is also bringing brighter conditions for many, with some dry and sunny weather, particularly away from coasts.

A Level 3 Cold Weather Alert -issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) - covering all of England is currently in place until Friday 16th December.

There is lots of advice on the Met Office website on how to prepare for cold weather. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.

“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. In rooms you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18°C if you can. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.”

Darren Clark, Severe Weather Resilience Manager at National Highways, said: “Gritters continue to undertake salt spreading over the coming days where needed during the first significant operation of this autumn and winter season on motorways and major A-roads amid colder temperatures across the country.”

National Highways has lots of advice on its website around travelling in severe weather conditions, including high winds and gales, fog, rain and snow and ice. Visit their travelling in severe weather web page.