Freezing weather expected this weekend as Met Office issues yellow warning for snow and ice

Bad news, the temperature is about to drop again.

From Friday, there is set to be a return to bitterly cold weather – with the north east of England, the Pennines and Scotland the worst affected.

Widespread sharp frosts are set to grip the UK and temperatures will struggle to be more than a few degrees above zero by the time Sunday arrives.

The Met Office has issued yellow severe weather warnings for snow and ice.

Likelihood of snow will diminish by Monday, though temperatures are expected to remain extremely cold.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Laura Paterson said: ‘Snow showers will become increasingly likely across eastern England on Saturday and then there is the potential for some significant snowfall in places, particularly in the South East of England, by Sunday.

‘Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued.’

While Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health England, Dr Thomas Waite, warned: ‘The weather has felt much milder for the last week or so but this weekend the forecasters tell us it will get much colder again. And that may come as a shock to the system for some whose bodies may struggle to cope in cold weather.

‘It’s worth remembering that cold temperatures – indoors and outdoors – can affect health, particularly in young children, older people and those with heart and lung conditions.

‘So if you know someone in any of these groups, and most of us do, please keep an eye on them over the coming days make sure they’re heating their homes to at least 18C and keeping an eye on the weather forecast.’

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While Richard Leonard, Highways England Head of Road Safety said: ‘Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock, but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.

‘Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.

‘Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.’