UK weather: Frosty start to half-term holidays as snow and ice forecast for large swathes of the country

'The main risk is the ice, which is emerging on roads,' forecaster tells The Independent

A frosty start to the half-term holidays is likely for many as forecasters predicted snow and ice across large swathes of the country.

Yellow ice warnings have been issued by the Met Office, for South West England and South Wales running up to the South Midlands.

Yellow snow and ice warnings have been enforced for western parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, North Wales and the north and west of England until midnight, Sunday.

Frequent and heavy snow and hail showers are expected throughout the day, with up to 10cm of snow predicted to fall on higher ground, particularly across western Scotland.

People should expect frequent showers accompanied by some hail and snow, Met Office forecaster Luke Miall told The Independent.

Temperatures were going "to struggle" on Sunday, he said. "We’ll see highs of between 2C to 6C. But, the wind chill factor is going to be significant, so it is going to be feeling as if it is freezing for many. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as there will be a few sunny spells, which will bring some positivity.”

The North West Motorway Police tweeted there had already been “numerous reports” of accidents and asked drivers to decrease their speed.

There will be further wintry showers across northern areas, with some accumulations of snow expected. Elsewhere it will be a cold and windy night, with a widespread frost developing.

Temperatures will then plummet on Monday, when many children are starting their half-term holiday.

The mercury is predicted to dip below freezing for many parts, with possible lows of -5C in Scotland and a widespread frost in the morning.

More snow is also expected in western parts during the day.

There could be some respite, however, with milder temperatures set to return mid-week.