Britain is set to experience its coldest weather of the winter this week thanks to an arctic blast moving from north to south.
Temperatures at this time of year are expected to be 5 to 6 degrees lower than usual, with some areas expected to drop as low as -15 degrees.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said a “continuous band of snow” would be seen across Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and parts of Wales.
“Temperatures could drop as low as -12 degrees Celsius in some places early Tuesday morning and as low as -15 degrees Celsius by Tuesday night,” he said. “That means we're definitely going to have some very cold days into Wednesday.”
A “significant amount of snow” fell in the north and east of Scotland on Monday, with 15 centimeters of snow falling at Aberdeen Airport by the evening.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice for northern regions until Thursday.
It also warned of snow and ice that could have a “potentially devastating impact” in parts of East Anglia, including Norwich, with swaths of snow and ice expected to spread across southern counties, including Kent and Sussex, from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Rain, sleet and snow are expected.
Although no heavy snow is expected in London, forecasters said the city will be “deeply cold” with temperatures dropping to -4C.
The RAC said it was responding to a record number of outages and expected Monday to be its busiest day of calls so far this winter.
National Highways, the UK's motorway and road organization, warned that some rural areas in the north-west could be closed for short periods due to severe weather.
Amy Fellows, the agency's national network manager, said: “Icy conditions pose a number of hazards, including snow and ice, so it's important to take every step possible to understand your trip in advance and prepare for the unexpected. Please allow sufficient time during your trip.”
A health alert has been issued by the UK Health and Safety Authority (UKHSA) regarding colds, which may have an adverse impact on the medical and social care sector.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, UKHSA's head of extreme events and health protection, said: “The coming temperatures will rapidly have a serious impact on the health of people aged over 65 and people with pre-existing health conditions due to rising temperatures. There is a possibility that it will be given.” Risk of heart attack, stroke, and chest infection.