Snow could cover parts of the UK for a whole day, with wintery showers leading to possible power cuts and travel disruption.
The Met Office has issued a yellow snow warning which runs from 3.00am on Thursday to 3.00am on Friday, stretching from Cumbria down to Cambridgeshire.
The alert also covers all of northern and central Wales, and the weather forecaster has warned that affected regions could also experience issues with mobile phone coverage.
Rural communities could be cut off, whilst travel delays are also likely, the Met Office has cautioned.
Snow is expected to fall across large parts of the UK for 24 hours
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Temperatures will drop as the week progresses, whilst up to 20cm of snow can be expected in higher areas and 2-5cm is predicted on ground levels.
In rural Scotland, the mercury could plummet to -10C.
Chris Almond, the deputy chief meteorologist, said: “While the early part of this week will see some rain, at times heavy, gradually sinking southwards, there’s an increased signal for wintry hazards as we move through the week as cold air from the north moves over the UK.
“It’s from Thursday that the snow risk becomes more potentially impactful, as mild air attempts to move back in from the south, bumping into the cold air and increasing the chance of snow developing on the leading edge.
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The weather warning begins at 3.00am on Thursday and lasts until 3.00am on Friday, stretching from Cumbria down to Cambridgeshire
Met Office
“While there are still lots of details to work out, the initial snow risk looks highest in northern England and Wales from Thursday.”
The Met Office has said that the snow risk is highest in northern England and Wales, where 10-20cm can be expected on higher ground.
The snow will then turn into sleet and rain as the day progresses, the forecaster predicts.
Further warnings for ice could be issued by the weather office later in the week as temperatures drop below average for this time of year.
There are currently two yellow snow and ice warnings in place in Scotland, affecting the Highlands, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands.
The Met Office has cautioned that injuries are possible, as people may slip on the icy surfaces. Delays and cancellations to air travel are also likely, due to the spells of snow.
The Met Office has said that the snow risk is highest in northern England and Wales, where 10-20cm can be expected on higher ground
PAThe ice warning began today at midnight and ended at 9.00am, whilst the snow warning came into effect at 3.00am this morning and will last until 3.00pm.
“Wintry showers are expected during the early hours of Tuesday morning bringing a risk of ice on untreated surfaces along with a slight covering of snow in places,” the Met Office said.
John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director at National Accident Helpline issued the following advice for dealing with the wintery conditions: "Compromised vision, the glare of flashlights and icy roads are just some of the risks we will face. In fact, the increase in poor weather at this time of the year means you may find yourself driving in heavy rain, fog, snow, or ice.
"As a result, drivers need to take additional precautions to minimize the risk of dangerous or fatal accidents. Check your fluids, lights, and wipes, reduce your speed and exercise anticipation and smoothness on icy roads.
"Pedestrians and cyclists should also take extra care on the road, making sure that they are as visible as possible to drivers. Wearing reflective and bright clothing, using lights if you are on a bicycle, and sticking to well-lit paths and roads are a few ways you can prevent yourself from being involved in an accident."