UK weather: Snow forecast as temperatures plunge and flood warnings issued

Heavy rain predicted over the coming days could bring further flooding

Forecasters have predicted more snowfall across the UK, issuing weather warnings for much of the country over the next few days.

The Met Office has warned of the potential for snow and ice in Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England from 8pm on Tuesday.

It said that wintry showers – which will fall as a mix of rain, hail and snow – are likely to continue from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning.

Higher parts of northwest England are estimated to receive 4-8cm of snow overnight.

This comes after significant amounts of snow fell in Scotland and Northern Ireland overnight on Monday.

The town of Aviemore in Scotland had 7cm of snowfall, while Northern Ireland’s Lough Fea received 3cm.

Temperatures were well below freezing, with Cairnwell in the Scottish Highlands hitting -4.5C.

Bonnie Diamond, a Met Office forecaster, told The Independent that the weather over the next few days will be “cold and unsettled”.

She said another weather system will hit the UK from late on Friday into the weekend, potentially bringing “further flooding” to areas which have already experienced a lot of rain over the past two weeks.

Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis, which buffeted the UK on consecutive weekends this month, caused severe flooding across the UK.

Two severe flood warnings are currently in place for Shrewsbury and Ironbridge, both on the River Severn in Shropshire, meaning there is a “danger to life”.

There are also more than 100 flood warnings still in force across England.