The UK has weather warnings in place for snow and ice with the country hit by an Arctic blast this week that could see temperatures drop to as low as -12C in Scotland

The UK is set to freeze in sub-zero temperatures with forecasters warning of ice and snow as an Arctic blast sees the mercury plunge to -12C.

Brits have seen winter conditions return with a vengeance with gritters out on roads as the Met Office predicts travel disruption.

There are yellow warnings for ice and snow covering Scotland and reaching down to northern England.

The Met Office has said that temperatures could drop to -12C overnight going into Thursday.

“Snow warnings in place across the hills and mountains in the north as a band of rain moves across from the Atlantic you can watch out for gales across the western side of the country,” said Clare Nasir.

“For Wednesday in Thursday a ridge of high pressure and incredibly cold air. Then we have this milder zone moving in from the Atlantic with cloud and rain bumping up against the cold air and it will turn to snow on its leading edge.

“Then the air behind it also turns cold and the cold north westerly undercut bringing with it snow showers. So a risk of snow and ice – with a warning in place for Thursday and into Friday.”

The risk of blizzard conditions could see slush on lower ground and a build up of snow on hills.

Ms Nasir continued: “Above 300m or 400m expect some accumulations and the risk of blizzard conditions but we will see some slushy deposits even at lower levels.”

Similarly for Thursday night into Friday there are freezing conditions with warnings in place for the north of England and Scotland.

The Met Office states: “Frequent sleet, hail and snow showers may lead to some disruption to travel during Thursday night and Friday morning.

“Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.

“Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths. Some brief power outages are possible with a risk of isolated lightning strikes.

“Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.”

But by the weekend the temperatures are expected to become less severe.

“The air turns less cold but always the chance of some rain and some stronger winds,” added Ms Nasir.

UK forecast for the next 5 days

Today:

Dry and bright start in the east, then rain moving eastwards, preceded by hill snow from central areas northwards. Blustery wintry showers following into the west later.

Tonight:

Rain clearing eastern areas in the evening, then colder with clear spells and blustery, heavy wintry showers, with snow accumulating over hills.

Friday:

Blustery wintry showers, with a risk of hail and thunder. Showers heavy and most frequent in the north and west with some snow. Eastern areas, mainly dry with sunny spells.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Windy with rain then showers for Saturday. Mostly dry with sunny spells for much of Sunday. Cloudy and very mild with rain and drizzle on Monday.