THE Met Office has warned of snow after temperatures plunged to -7°C last night.
A colder easterly regime has established across the country bringing easterly winds, low temperatures and an increasing risk of wintry hazards like snow and ice.
People seen going for a walk in the Cumbrian village of Nenthead this morning as heavy snow falls[/caption]
Friday night saw temperatures fall to -7.4°C in Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands.
The lowest recorded temperature in England was -1.6°C at Culdrose, Cornwall.
Scotland was colder due to clearer skies that are set to continue.
Dull, grey and damp weather will hang over much of England and Wales in the coming days, the Met Office has said.
Maximum temperatures will be slightly below average but areas stuck under the clouds will feel colder than they really are, according to the forecasters.
Little is expected to change over the next two to five days.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: “While some areas will see showers or some patchy rain on Friday and through the weekend, there will be the potential for some sleet or snow as temperatures drop, mostly over higher ground in central and southern areas.
“The cold will be accentuated at times by brisk easterly winds.
“There will be variable, and at times large amounts of cloud over the coming days with the clearest and sunniest weather across the northwest of the UK.
“There will also be icy patches and overnight frost in places.
“Whilst, for most, the weather is not expected to be disruptive, keep an eye on the Met Office website for any National Severe Weather Warnings.”
Yellow cold health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for a number of areas across England including the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the South East from 9am on Friday until 9am on Tuesday.
This means the weather is likely to lead to an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, and a greater risk to life of vulnerable people.
The area of high pressure is expected to be centred over Scandinavia throughout next week and toward the middle of the month.
This pattern leads to a cold, east or southeasterly air-flow across the UK.
This will be accompanied by some light rain and hill snow early next week, mainly in the south of the UK, before drier conditions become established later in the week.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
A rather cloudy and cold day with outbreaks of rain and hill snow moving northwards.
Mostly dry for Northern Ireland and northwest Scotland where there will be spells of sunshine, with some late sunshine also developing for southeast England.
Tonight:
Largely cloudy with occasional rain, and also hill snow in the north.
Some clearer spells, especially northern Scotland and southern England, giving a risk of a frost here.
Sunday:
Another rather cloudy and cold day with some further spells of rain and drizzle, especially in the east.
Brightest conditions in sheltered parts of the west and northwest.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Remaining rather cold throughout with plenty of cloud around.
Risk of some further rain at times, especially in the east, with some sleet and snow possible, mainly over hills.
