UK weather: Big Freeze set to last all week

Day breaks over Tegg's Nose Reservoir, Langley near Macclesfield as forecasters are predicting the coldest night in Britain so far this winter. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday January 18, 2015. See PA story WEATHER Winter. Photo credit should read: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

The 'Big Freeze' is set to last at least a week according to forecasters today (Monday), as Britain woke up to the coldest day of winter so far. Temperatures have reached as low as -11.2C in some parts of Scotland and are likely to stay this low in the coming days, as warnings are issued for snow and icy conditions for the whole of the UK.

A weather health warning has been issued as a plume of Arctic air brought the coldest weather since February 2012.

The Met Office's Simon Partridge told Metro: "Monday night looks cold again and it will certainly be cold until Wednesday or Thursday."

An alert on its website reads: "Large areas of England will experience colder than average conditions in the coming week, with widespread overnight frosts.
"Some wintry precipitation is expected for most areas too, mostly in the form of scattered showers, leading to lying snow and icy stretches."

The Evening Standard reports more snow is on the way this week. Tom Tobler, a forecaster at MeteoGroup, told the paper: "It's going to be very cold again tonight (Monday), certainly below zero pretty much everywhere. Temperatures could be -3C or -4C in England and Wales and in Scotland we could see -10C.

"There's a front coming through Tuesday and Wednesday which might bring some snow, mostly in northern parts of the country. Parts of England could get snow but it won't be huge amounts."

Emergency services across the country are warning motorists to be prepared for the icy conditions, especially on minor and untreated roads.

Chief Inspector John Heckels, of Northumbria Police, said: "Before setting off for home, clear snow and ice from windows and headlights. It's better to spend a few extra minutes making sure your windscreen is clear than risk an accident by only clearing a small area.

"Drivers should moderate their speed to match the conditions and should be aware, even on gritted roads, of the possibility of ice or black ice.

"Be aware that stopping distances are longer on wet or icy roads and drivers should maintain a safe distance from other road users.

"Motorists also need to keep a look out for pedestrians who may be walking on the road to avoid icy pavements."