Big freeze to follow rain as cold snap looms

A record-breaking spell of wet and unseasonably mild weather is set to come to an end with the arrival next week of freezing temperatures from the icy north, forecasters said.

After a chilly start rain is expected to sweep across the UK today before the onset of a cold snap that could see temperatures fall to -10C (14F) in some parts.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning of ice across Scotland into this morning and urged drivers to take care.

Parts of Aberdeenshire are slowly recovering from flooding that saw dozens of homes evacuated, while wet weather and freezing temperatures brought the hazard of ice on the roads for many parts.