UK weather: North Yorkshire records lowest temperature on New Year's Eve as UK's cold snap continues

The final day of 2020 has seen snow fall in places and bitterly cold conditions for much of the UK, with North Yorkshire facing the coldest temperatures.

A low of minus 7.5C (18.5F) was recorded in Topcliffe, near Thirsk in North Yorkshire on New Year's Eve as the cold snap continues across the country.

Wednesday saw the coldest night of the winter so far, with a low of minus 10.2C (13.6F) recorded in Dalwhinnie in the Scottish Highlands.

Sub-zero temperatures caused icy conditions along much of the south coast of England early on Thursday, and many parts of the North West woke up to thick mist and a blanketing of snow. It is still falling and more is forecast for the region.

Parts of Merseyside were already covered in snow, but it is yet to melt as temperatures stayed below freezing.

Police have urged drivers to take care following a number of accidents, while Transport for Greater Manchester also warned people to expect delays and leave extra time for journeys if they were venturing out.

North Wales Police advised motorists to avoid all non-essential travel after officers dealt with several collisions on the A55 due to dangerous conditions caused by snow and ice.

In Northern Ireland, police urged walkers to prepare for the wintry weather after two groups had to be rescued from the Mourne Mountains in County Down on Wednesday.

One group was found on Ben Crom and led to safety by mountain rescue volunteers, while another group was winched to safety.

Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said: "New Year's Eve will bear with it again the risk of rain, sleet and snow, another feature sliding down the country from northern Scotland.

"Particularly inland and over the hills we will see some snow.

"Many of us will see some brighter weather, with still a keen breeze keeping things very cold indeed, and again the risk of ice as we head into New Year's Day, with again a wintry mix coming and going, and a fairly widespread frost."

RAC Breakdown is "strongly" urging drivers to take care on New Year's Day.

Spokesman Simon Williams said: "The message for those who have to drive is to adjust their speed according to the conditions and leave extra stopping distance so 2021 doesn't begin with an unwelcome bump and an insurance claim.

"Snow and ice are by far the toughest driving conditions, so if they can be avoided that's probably the best policy."