"Some northern parts can expect temperatures down to -10C (14F), perhaps less, and will stay freezing all day. The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow cold weather alerts to prepare responders to risk from the wintry spells. There'll be some dense freezing fog around too."

A snow and ice warning is also in place across northern Scotland until 10am, as travel disruption and difficult driving conditions could come from rain turning into snow, the Met Office said. The alert comes after a major incident was declared in Greater Manchester on Wednesday when flooding from heavy rain led homes to be evacuated and train lines to be closed.

Snow warning issued by Met Office for three days across England as major incident declared in Manchester: Live - Cold snap set to grip country with snow possible across large areas over weekend

The warning indicates there could be some difficult travel conditions across Scotland, Northern Ireland, North Wales stretching down to the Midlands.

A three-day snow warning has been issued for much of Britain, with temperatures set to plunge this weekend – bringing misery to areas already hit by flooding in the wake of high winds and torrential rain.