UK Weather: Snow expected as Arctic blast hits Britain

Twelve snow warnings have been issued across the UK for Wednesday

Between 2cm and 6cm of snow is expected on higher ground (Getty)

Severe weather warnings have been issued across large parts of the UK this week as an Arctic blast of cold air brings snow and freezing temperatures.

The Met Office has issued 12 yellow “be aware” snow warnings across much of the UK for Wednesday, including southern England and the capital.

Seven of these warnings remain in place on Thursday, including the warning for London.

Forecaster Mark Wilson said, while Tuesday is set to be a cold, crisp winter day with sunny spells there is “definitely some risk of snow” on Wednesday.

“People should wrap up warm,” he said. “There is potential that central parts of the UK could see some snow at lower levels. We do not expect to see significant accumulation.”

Active Atlantic fronts spreading across Scotland and the northwest corner of England will come into contact with colder air says the Met Office, bringing sleet and snow on Wednesday and Thursday.

Between 2cm and 6cm of snow is expected on higher ground.

Mr Wilson warned low temperatures would accompany this week's snow and ice is also expected.

Sleety snow in East Anglia, the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber could bring temperatures of around 2C to 4C.

Last night, the coldest temperature in England and Wales was -7.8C in Redesdale, Northumberland, almost matching the coldest night of winter so far which was -8.8C in Benson, Oxfordshire on 20 January.

A yellow warning for heavy rain has also been issued for western parts of Scotland, with forecasters predicting there could be between 25mm-40mm and up to 60mm on higher ground.

After the midweek arctic blast, temperatures are expected to become significantly milder, reaching between 10C and 20C by Saturday.

Additional reporting by Press Association