UK weather forecast: Met Office issues yellow warning as Britain braces for weekend snow and ice

Temperatures expected to plunge below freezing as a cold snap moves in over weekend

Britain is braced for snow and ice as temperatures plummet across the UK.

Heavy snow and blizzards are expected across northern England and Scotland over the weekend, with 2-5cm of the white stuff likely at lower levels and 10-20cm on higher ground.

This could turn to freezing rain in places, leading to widespread ice developing on Saturday night.

A yellow ‘be aware’ weather warning for snow and ice has been put in place by the Met Office between 12pm Saturday and 10am Sunday.

There are currently two opposing weather systems bringing both cold and warm air across Britain, which will create the risk of snow when they collide.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge told The Independent: “The weather warning focuses on the higher parts of northern England and Scotland but there’s a chance we could get snow for parts of East Anglia and Lincolnshire.

“There is a threat of freezing rain which will freeze on impact with road surfaces, windscreens or power lines, which can cause considerable problems for drivers and householders.

“This will run into early Sunday by which time the whole of the UK will be under the influence of that warmer air.

(Getty (Getty)

“The rain will continue to be a problem and there will still be strong winds but the threat of snow will have subsided.”

Those planning to travel over the weekend have been warned delays on roads could strand some vehicles and passengers.

Delays or cancellations to bus, rail and air services are also expected.

There is also a risk of some rural communities becoming cut off during the spell of bad weather, as well as power cuts and disruption to mobile phone coverage.

Temperatures on Thursday night could plummet to -3C/-4C in parts of the North.

On Friday it is expected to feel cold across the whole of the country, with temperatures only getting up to single figures. The South East is likely to see temperatures of 2C/3C in places like Reading and 4C/5C in London.

Overnight on Friday into Saturday the mercury will fall to zero across most of the country, with places like Birmingham seeing -2C/-3C.

By contrast, on Saturday Plymouth could get up to 13C, while Leeds will struggle to get above 1C.

The cold weather will continue into Sunday but Monday should see a return to warmer temperatures.