UK weather: Snow, ice and heavy rain to hit UK over bitterly cold weekend

Yellow warnings for ice and rain issued until Monday

Britons are bracing for snow, ice and heavy rain over the weekend, as the Met Office issued yellow warnings of icy conditions across England, Wales and parts of Scotland.

Temperatures are expected to plunge as low as -9C in northern parts of the UK in the early hours of Saturday. Some freezing fog will affect central and southern England, but many parts will be dry with sunny spells.

Conditions will turn cloudy and windy across Scotland and Northern Ireland, with snow in some areas preceding a band of rain moving eastwards. Snow may also fall over the Pennines, North York Moors, the high ground of Wales and parts of southwest England, which could see between two to five centimetres of snow.

The Met Office warned of an increased risk of ice as rain and sleet falls on frozen surfaces, which could lead to difficult driving conditions. Icy patches on some untreated roads and pavements could also lead to injuries from slips and falls.

Ben Aldous, of the RAC, said: “Fog, ice and in some places snow are the enemies of drivers.

“In order to avoid falling foul of the conditions it’s important for motorists to adjust their driving style to suit the conditions.

“Being gentler on the throttle and brakes, and slowing down particularly on rural or unwritten routes can help ensure a safe and trouble-free journey.”

Mr Aldous also urged drivers to check that their tyres have enough tread and are properly inflated, and to completely clear their windscreens of ice and snow.

Heavy rain set to move in on Sunday may lead to slightly higher temperatures in the north, but areas in northwest Scotland may see localised flooding due to the rainfall and melting snow.

Cloudy, rainy conditions are expected to linger throughout the first half of next week, with rain at times across southern and central parts, according to the Met Office’s forecast.

The UK has seen a "bitterly cold” spell sweep across the country since the start of the new year, with thick snow blanketing some areas.