UK weather latest: Freezing temperatures make Britain colder than Moscow

Mercury in Moscow reaches 0.3C, significantly milder than parts of the British Isles

Temperatures in parts of the UK have dropped to below those currently recorded in Moscow, following the coldest night of the year so far.

The mercury dropped to as low as -13C in Shropshire overnight, while vast swathes of the UK fell below freezing.

It caused fresh travel disruption on Tuesday as flights were cancelled, schools remained closed and drivers faced lengthy delays.

Temperatures have remained chilly all day, ranging from 6C in Exeter to 3C in London and as low as -4C in Shawbury, the Met Office said – making it colder than Moscow, which reached 0.3C on Tuesday according to the Hydrometeorological Centre of Russia.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice effective until 11am on Wednesday, as the melting snow may freeze again overnight and potentially create treacherous driving conditions. The warning covers most parts of the UK away from the south.

Oli Claydon, spokesperson at the Met Office, told The Independent people can expect another cold night ahead, where parts of the west midlands and Wales could drop to -4 in places.

“As rain moves in it will herald a wet and grey start to Wednesday with milder temperatures, possibly reaching a high of 11C in Plymouth and 9C in London, which will help to get rid of the snow," he said.

Temperatures will be colder in the north on Wednesday, where Birmingham will reach around 4C and Leeds will reach around 6C.

“There will be a brief interlude of milder air, but Friday will feel colder again. Saturday will be a fine day for many but Sunday will be wetter as weather fronts coming in from the west bring in rain,” he added.

Additional reporting by PA