The Met Office has issued a new warning for "hazardous" ice as in what could be the coldest January night in 15 years.
The new yellow warning, issued by the national and climate service on Wednesday evening, will remain in place from 12.15am to 10.30am on Thursday. The said surfaces were left wet and cold following yesterday's rain and snow, potentially causing dangerous icy conditions on roads.
There is also a risk of icy stretches on some untreated pavements and cycle paths, which could increase the chance of accidents and injuries. The reads: "Surfaces have been left wet and cold following Wednesday evening's rain and snow.
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"While some surfaces may dry out before they freeze, it is likely that many untreated surfaces may become icy and hazardous overnight into Thursday morning - this will tend to happen sooner in the west, some eastern areas perhaps marginal for freezing."
People have been urged to leave their homes at least five minutes earlier than normal in order to avoid rushing, which could increase your risk of accidents, slips and falls. The Met Office also advised: "If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated."
The following areas are affected by the new weather warning:
East of England
The warning was issued as the UK is braced for an icy blast, with temperatures set to plummet as low as -15C or -16C. Snow and sleet began to hit southern England on Wednesday afternoon as an amber weather warning came into force, with the Met Office saying further warnings are likely to be issued as the week goes on.
Police in Devon and Cornwall have urged drivers to wait until the snow passes to carry out their journeys, unless they are absolutely necessary. Parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset were included in the amber snow warning, which was in place until 9pm on Wednesday.
The Met Office had measured 3cm of snow in Herstmonceux, East Sussex, and 2cm in Liscombe, Somerset, by Wednesday evening. The Met Office has warned of travel disruption caused by the snow and said some vehicles and passengers could become stranded.
Power cuts are likely, the national weather service said, and delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are also expected. Overnight, temperatures are set to drop sharply, with lows of minus 14C possible in and northern England on Wednesday and sub-zero temperatures expected across the country.
Minimum temperatures of -16C could be reached on Thursday night, the Met Office said. Oli Claydon, spokesman for the Met Office, said it will be "bitterly cold" on Thursday night. He said the lowest temperatures will be recorded in rural Scotland and rural northern England where there is lying snow, cloudless skies and very cold airflow.
A temperature of -14C would equal the lowest seen in this month last year, recorded in Dalwhinnie in the Scottish Highlands on January 17, 2024. But a temperature of -16C would be the lowest recorded in January in the UK for 15 years, since -22.3C was logged in Altnaharra in the Highlands on January 8, 2010, according to Met Office data.
Lows of -20C have not been reached since -23C was recorded at Braemar, Aberdeenshire, in February 2021. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its cold weather health alert for all of England until Sunday. Amber alerts issued on Thursday have been extended and will now run until January 12, meaning a rise in deaths is likely, the agency said.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: "We are extending the duration of our Cold-Health Alert, since the Met Office are forecasting that the low temperatures we are seeing will continue further into this week, with snow and icy conditions likely to persist. This weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital that we continue to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures."
UK 5 day weather forecast This Evening and Tonight:Sleet and snow clearing the south this evening, then becoming dry overnight. Freezing fog patches forming, with icy stretches. A few wintry showers continuing in the north and west, especially near coasts. A severe frost developing.
Thursday:Thursday will be another cold day, with plenty of sunny spells. A few fog patches lingering once more and further wintry showers possible in the north and west.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:Dry for many Friday, with some sunshine, but cloudier in the far west, with patchy rain and snow. Slowly turning less cold over the weekend, but staying dry for many.
