An Amber weather warning has been issued by the Met Office, with 25cm of snow expected to hit large parts of England.
Multiple Met Office Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for ice and snow have also been issued for the coming days, covering Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, northern and southwest parts of England and much of Scotland.
The Amber alert covers the North York Moors and large parts of the Yorkshire Wolds, and is currently in place from 5am to 9pm on Thursday.
In addition to snow, ice will be an ongoing hazard, particularly overnight in the coming days.
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Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: "Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK’s weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather.
"As a result, winter hazards are likely through the next few days, with snow and ice a particular hazard, and the coldest conditions likely on Wednesday and Thursday.
"Wintry showers will affect areas exposed to the brisk northerly wind, in particular Northern Ireland, southwest Wales, southwest England, northeast England and across the northern half of Scotland.
"Whilst not all places will see lying snow, where showers are most frequent accumulations of two to five cm will be possible. On higher ground in Scotland, 15-20cm could accumulate, and potentially as much as 15-25cm over the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds."
Met Office has issued a series of weather alerts for this week
|MET OFFICE
Mr Armstong added: "Temperatures are well below average for the time of year and could get as low as -11C in rural parts of Scotland on Thursday night, with daytime temperatures generally in low single figures for many.
"With clear skies, overnight ice could create some particularly tricky travel conditions."
NHS 24 Executive Medical Director Dr Ron Cook said: "With icy conditions expected, we urge everyone to wrap up warmly and take extra care when outside.
"Cold weather can be particularly challenging for older people, young children, and those with long-term health conditions, so please check on neighbours and loved ones to ensure they have what they need to stay warm and safe.
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Snow in Carrshield, Northumberland earlier this morning
|PA
Dr Cook continued: "Simple steps like wearing sturdy footwear and allowing more time for journeys can help prevent slips and falls.
"Also remember cold air can also make breathing difficult for people with asthma or COPD. Keep your medication handy and try to limit time outdoors during severe cold spells."
A Met Office spokesman said: "Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush reduces your risk of accidents, slips and falls.
"If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated."
Snow ploughs were out in action in Nenthead in Cumbria
|PA
The coldest night since March was recorded on Saturday when temperatures dropped to -7C in Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands.
Forecasters at the Met Office suggest will be drier for many by Friday, with temperatures gradually turning milder and rain reaching the west later in the day.
There are signals for fronts of rain to cross from west to east on Saturday, with potentially further wet and windy weather for many on Sunday.