Temperatures plummeting across Britain

A high pressure system hanging over Scandinavia and western Russia is set to push raw, easterly winds towards the UK as the week progresses, causing the longest spell of cold weather so far this winter.

Snow is also forecast in some regions over the coming days with some people in Wales and the far West of England waking up to a dusting of up to 5cm on Monday morning.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning of snow for parts of Wales, saying the hilly parts of the south and south east of the country could get as much as 10cm.

Latest forecast: Channel 4 News Weather

It said higher areas of south-west England, especially Exmoor, could see 5cm of snow but lower areas are more likely to see a 1-2 cm “slushy covering”.

The Met Office also issued a warning of severe cold weather across much of England until at least Thursday.

Police in Devon and Cornwall yesterday warned motorists in some parts of the region not to travel unless it is essential after snowfall over the higher areas of Exmoor and Dartmoor.

Gloucestershire County Council said that with bigger salt supplies than ever at this time of year it is ready for the forecast cold snap. The county’s gritters were out salting the transport routes last night.

Liam Dutton's blog: This week's weather menu - plenty of cold with a sprinkling of snow