Commuters faced icy conditions on Monday morning, with heavy snow falling in parts of Scotland amid warnings of vehicles becoming stranded on roads.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for snow and ice across large swathes of the country, leading to a frosty start to the half-term holidays. For those not breaking yet, a total of 35 schools in the Scottish Highlands were closed or opened later after 5cm of snow fell in places.
Forecasters are expecting heavy snow and hail showers on Monday, leaving many roads and pavements icy.
Issuing a yellow warning for ice, which is in place until noon on Monday and covers areas including north-west England, Wales, and south-west England, the Met Office said: “Heavy hail and snow showers are expected during Monday morning and will lead to ice and snow accumulating on many surfaces. Longer journey times by road, bus and train services are likely while some vehicles could become stranded.”
Forecaster Rachael Adshead said earlier that winds will ease across the south of England and Wales overnight, while at the same time showers will die out across central and eastern parts.
“So what we’re left with is a good amount of clear skies and relatively light winds, particularly across southern parts of the UK and that will lead to a cold night.”
Ms Adshead said Monday may feel slightly less cold than Sunday, with wintry showers expected in the north and west.
Scotland, Northern Ireland and north-west England will see snow showers, while further south is more likely to see a mixture of rain, sleet and hail.
There could be a some respite, however, with milder temperatures set to return mid-week.
Forecasters said lighter showers will pass on Monday but further weather warnings for high winds, snow and rain have been put in place for the west of Scotland, Northern Ireland and south west England for Tuesday.
Met Office meteorologist Luke Miall said: “On Monday evening the next band of rain will start to push its way in during the night bringing rain and some snow where it meets colder air.
“Where there are clear skies further east we’ll start to see frost and ice developing once again.
“For some of us it will be a cold start to the day but for all of us umbrellas will need to be at the ready.”