Met Office extends snow warnings as Arctic blast about to bring flurries up to 10cm deep

The UK is set to see temperatures plunge over the coming days with the mercury dropping to -10C in some parts of the country and we could see 10 centimetres of snow fall

Brits are being warned of snow flurries up to 10 centimetres deep as an Arctic blast hits the country with temperatures plunging to -10C.

Today the Met Office extended its severe weather warning of snow and ice for the UK, warning those in more southern parts of the country there will be a significant change this week as polar air moves southwards and gradually moves over the country.

The snow will arrive this afternoon in Scotland and will affect large parts of northern England and North Wales by Monday evening, says the Met Office.

Maps from WXCharts show the mercury dropping below zero on Sunday night in Scotland and then by Wednesday most of the country will face freezing temperatures with it falling as low as -6C in parts of Scotland and central England.

And then by the weekend the worst of the freezing conditions will be in central Scotland where temperatures will continue to tumble to -10C.

Met Office chief meteorologist, Andy Page, said “We have issued yellow warnings for snow and ice as cold weather moves in from the north. This brings snow showers and some ice to parts of Scotland on Sunday night, and then the potential for a spell of snow to lead to disruption to some transport routes across a central swathe of the UK on Tuesday morning.

"Gusty winds in the east also remain a potential hazard. Updates to the warnings for wintry hazards are likely so it is important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”

And a Met office spokesperson said: “A Yellow National Severe Weather Warning for snow and ice has been issued for the north of Scotland and the Northern Isles from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning. Here, showers will turn increasingly wintry through the day with hail, sleet and some snow.

"Little snow is likely to settle at low levels by day, but through the evening and overnight, 1 to 3 cm may accumulate in some places within the warning area, whilst 5 to 10cm is possible on high ground above 300 metres by Monday morning. As temperatures fall overnight, ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces.”

Yellow warnings for snow and ice are in place by the Met Office for northern Scotland today while it includes southern Scotland and parts of England for Tuesday. Then by Wednesday the warning remains for the area covering southern Scotland and down to the Midlands.

A the Met Office forecast adds: “Further snow and ice are forecast from Monday evening and overnight into Tuesday. Although most snow is still likely to accumulate on higher ground, with 5-10 cm on ground over 200 metres and possibly 15-20 cm over 300 metres, there is a chance that snow may settle at lower levels within the warning area.

"This possible 5-10 cm at lower levels is likely to be more disruptive, particularly if travelling and if the snow coincides rush hour, but the likelihood for that is still uncertain at this stage. As the rain, sleet and snow clear on Tuesday morning, ice may form on untreated surfaces."