It was a sad start for many as snow showers fell across parts of southern England and south Wales with more expected on the way.
Scattered snow showers and hail will hit the northern coasts of Scotland as the arctic blast intensifies and more blizzards are forecast.
Travelers have been warned of potential travel chaos, with the cold snap expected to bring more snow and ice across the UK, the Met Office said.
Early morning radar from the Met Office showed an area of rain moving in from the south and west beginning to turn more and more to sleet and snow as it moved north and east.
The forecasting body’s chief meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said the weather could isolate rural communities in the north and affect travel in the coming days across southern England and south Wales.
There were reports of snow across the South West on Wednesday morning, including Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and South Wales.
Snow falling in Berkshire on Wednesday morning
Several national severe snow and ice warnings have been issued, and the Weather Bureau said it is “very likely” that there will be more warnings or updates to current warnings.
Mr Lehnert said: “Snow, ice and low temperatures are the main themes in this week’s forecast, with the UK under an Arctic maritime air mass.”
“Snow could cause some travel disruptions, with the potential for some rural communities in the north to be cut off.
The focus of the snow shifts to southern England and south Wales tomorrow and some may wake up to just a few inches of snow, with the south coast and far south-west likely to see a mix of rain and sleet.
“Further snow showers and hail are also expected along the northern coasts, especially in the north of Scotland.”
It added: “During the afternoon, a further wave of sleet and snow is likely to develop across southern England and south Wales, which could cause disruption to overnight travel.”
Snow showers at Cricklewood, North London today
A snow-covered car was seen falling across south-west England, including in Berkshire (pictured) on Wednesday.
“The impact of snow and ice on untreated surfaces may have an impact on Thursday morning travel.”
Dale Hipkiss, national network manager for National Highways, urged people to pack extra supplies in vehicles in case they become stranded.
“Keeping a kit of essentials like a flashlight and warm clothing in your vehicle can be vital in case you and your passengers are stranded in the winter,” he said.
“Freezing conditions bring many hazards, such as snow and ice, and take every step possible to understand your trip ahead of time and allow plenty of extra time when traveling to prepare for the unexpected.”
The Met Office also warned that ice will be an additional danger through the week as regions experience freezing temperatures. In some sheltered Scottish glens, temperatures were expected to drop to -15C overnight on Tuesday.
The UK Health and Safety Agency has issued a Level 3 cold weather alert for the whole of England.
Snow in Tonbridge, Kent, on Wednesday morning as the arctic blast continues to batter the UK
Commuters faced travel misery as snow showers fell on Westminster in central London on Wednesday
Snow covered the ground on this street in Bromley on Wednesday morning.
The agency’s head of extreme events and health protection, Dr. Agostinho Sousa, said people should monitor vulnerable family members and told retirees and anyone with an underlying health condition to heat their home to at least 18C.
Scotland-based Moffat Mountain Rescue has warned that conditions can change “very quickly” in mountainous areas as the UK battles snow, ice and gusty winds.
The Met Office’s deputy chief meteorologist, Helen Caughey, detailed the weather changes over the second half of the week.
She said: “Throughout Thursday and Friday, the risk of snow extends to the central and northern areas of the UK.”
Snow showers were observed in Beckenham, south-east London, on Wednesday morning.
Snow covers Epsom Downs in Surrey as a yellow weather warning is in place for much of the UK
Ms Caughey added: “Parts of Northern Ireland, Wales and the north of England are expected to see the worst conditions develop from early on Thursday, and parts of Scotland and the north of England will see snow arrive until Thursday morning. late”.
“Snow in the northern half of the UK will persist for much of Friday, while further south, snow will fall again until Thursday afternoon and evening.
“Strong winds are also expected to develop through Thursday and Friday, which may create blizzard conditions and drifting snow in some locations.”
