UK weather latest: Britain wakes to freezing temperatures amid wind and ice warnings

Commuters told to expect longer journey times by road and rail

Britain woke up to freezing temperatures on the first day of February, with forecasters warning of ice on the roads and wintry showers.

Yellow weather warnings were issued across swathes of the UK, and commuters told to expect longer journey times by road and rail.

The Met Office said “some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces are also possible”.

Forecaster Alex Deakin warned: “Ice is a big hazard on the roads this morning, there’s a fair few wintry showers around as well, and a pretty cold wind blowing. It has been especially cold across northern Scotland.”

Temperatures were set to peak around 7C on Thursday afternoon, he said, but winds would make it feel significantly colder.

Mr Deakin said the mercury would drop sharply on Thursday evening, with lows of around -6C expected.

Friday is set to start with widespread frost, but will remain dry and bright for most throughout the day, with highs of around 7C.

Mr Deakin warned that the weekend was “complicated”, with wet weather and possible snow expected on Saturday. Sunday is predicted to be drier and brighter.

The coldest temperatures are forecast for Sunday night, when temperatures of -10C are possible in some areas.