The Met Office has issued urgent yellow warnings for snow and ice for almost half of the country on Monday and Tuesday.
In England big cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Stoke, Nottingham, Hull, York and Leeds could see disruption as the wintry blast arrives with a vengeance tomorrow.
Northern Scotland will also not escape the wrath of the winter weather with yellow warnings in place for Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders and also for the Orkney and Shetland islands.
Yorkshire and Humber, North East and North West England and the East and West Midlands have all been given yellow weather warnings for snow and ice from 7pm on Monday until 10am on Tuesday.
And maps from WXCharts show some places on higher ground in England could expect to see 6cm of snow falling per hour.
A statement from the Met Office today (Sunday) said: “Further snow and ice are forecast from Monday evening and overnight into Tuesday.
“Although most snow is still likely to accumulate on higher ground, with 5-10 cm on ground over 200 metres and possibly 15-20 cm over 300 metres, there is a chance that snow may settle at lower levels within the warning area.
“This possible 5-10 cm at lower levels is likely to be more disruptive, particularly if travelling and if the snow coincides rush hour, but the likelihood for that is still uncertain at this stage.
“As the rain, sleet and snow clear on Tuesday morning, ice may form on untreated surfaces.”
In addition to the severe weather warnings, a Cold Health Alert has been issued by the UKHSA which provides alerts for the health sector in England. The alert covers the Midlands and North of England from Sunday morning through to Thursday.
Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, said “We have issued yellow warnings for snow and ice as cold weather moves in from the north.
“This brings snow showers and some ice to parts of Scotland on Sunday night, and then the potential for a spell of snow to lead to disruption to some transport routes across a central swathe of the UK on Tuesday morning.
“Gusty winds in the east also remain a potential hazard. Updates to the warnings for wintry hazards are likely so it is important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”
Today:
Hazy spells of sunshine will be replaced by cloud and patchy rain across northern and western parts. Further blustery wintry showers for northern Scotland. Driest and brightest towards the south. Feeling colder.
Tonight:
Unsettled across central areas with outbreaks of rain, heaviest in the west. Scattered wintry blustery showers in the far north, with clear spells leading to a cold and frosty night.
Monday:
Hazy sunshine in the north and east with wintry showers in the far north. Spells of heavy rain elsewhere, turning to snow, mainly over the high ground in the north.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:
An unsettled start on Tuesday with rain and possible snow, clearing to sunnier spells. Frosty mornings on Wednesday and Thursday but drier with a few wintry showers. Colder and windier.
