UK weather: Cold alerts issued for 5 major regions as mercury to plunge 'as low as -7°C'

It saw accumulations of 119.6mm recorded between 6pm on Thursday and 6am on Saturday at a Natural Resources ales rain gauge at Tafalog in Gwent.

Over the same period, 80.6mm was recorded at an Environment Agency rain gauge at Suckley in Worcestershire.

Storm Claudia in northwest Wales and northwest England saw strong winds with 68mph recorded at Warcop Range in Cumbria and 63mph at Aberdaron in Gwynedd.

While rain has eased as high pressure starts to assert dominance from the north, it brings colder air and that has already been in place for Scotland for a couple of days - some snowfall has already appear in Inverness.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley, said: “As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK."

"This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days," he added.

"There will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.

“There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7°C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country.

"Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill.

"This will be a notable change in our weather after a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures. People should keep an eye on the forecast in their area as it is possible warnings may be issued for snow and ice at times.”

With the potential for freezing temperatures, snow and ice in places, the Met Office has advised a number of "simple steps" to prepare someone's home, garden or business.

This includes keeping a home warm as cold weather can be a risk to a person's health, particularly for people over 65 years of age.

The Met Office has also advised to weatherproof the home and garden, including keeping garden furniture, trampolines, and children's toys in a safe place.

Those looking to drive should check their tyres and use a screen wash additive to keep windscreens free of winter road grime.

Cold health alerts by the UK Health Security Agency in partnership with the Met Office have been issued in parts of the UK.

A yellow alert has been issued for the East Midlands, North East, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and The Humber from November 17 until Friday November 21.

"Significant impacts are possible across health and social care services," the Government has indicated.

That includes a "rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions".

"We may also see impacts on younger age groups," the Government added.

"Increased demand for remote healthcare services, impacts on the workforce affecting delivering of services and challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°C leading to more risk to vulnerable people."