HEAVY
snow and temperatures low enough to stop grit working threaten chaos in the run up to the weekend as the Met Office warns the freezing cold snap could last until March.
Tonight is tipped to be one of the coldest nights for six years with the mercury expected to nudge -15C (5F) in parts.
Bitter winds will keep the nation on ice into the weekend as swathes of the UK are blanketed under snow.
Government forecasters warn icy roads and pavements threaten travel delays and could bring a risk of injury due to falls.
Elderly people and those with health conditions are warned to take extra care as
Britain shivers in the coldest spell of winter.
Motoring groups are gearing up for mayhem with more than 114,000 cold-related breakdowns predicted before the weekend.
Temperatures will widely drop to freezing or under over the coming nights with lows of -10C (14F) or below in rural spots.
Daytime highs will struggle to get above low single figures apart from in the far south which will turn slightly milder on Thursday.
The Met Office today extended severe
weather warnings for snow and ice across Scotland, northern and western Britain until Friday.
A separate alert for wintry weather across southeast England remains in place until mid-morning tomorrow.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “We expect widespread frosts on Wednesday morning after a very cold night with clear skies bringing some low temperatures.
“There will be a risk of snow in the south and east on Wednesday morning and through the day in Scotland and western Britain.
“A slight change in wind direction from the Atlantic will bring a slightly milder feel on Thursday especially in the south before the cold returns at the end of the week and into the weekend.
“The entire country is at risk of showers which could be wintry in nature later this weekend.”
Southern England faces the added misery of torrential rainfall Thursday night, he added.
Sub-zero temperatures forecast through the rest of the week coming after heavy downpours threaten icy roads and pavements.
Motoring groups warned drivers to carry an emergency kit in case of breakdown and prepare for treacherous road conditions.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “When the mercury falls well below zero grit loses its effectiveness and when things plunge to -10C grit can’t prevent a road from freezing.
“Do not presume a gritted road is free of ice, judge each road you drive on carefully, especially out in the countryside.
“We strongly recommend drivers covering any great distance have an emergency kit to hand.”
Road recovery firm Green Flag predicts more than 114,000 breakdowns over the next few days due to severe weather.
Spokesman Simon Henrick said: “Plunging temperatures and icy conditions may take some drivers by surprise this week.
“It’s important that drivers do all they can to stay safe in the more challenging conditions by thoroughly checking their cars before they leave home, and approaching roads with caution.”
Met Office chief forecaster Frank Saunders warned to expect longer journey times on roads and transport networks.
He said: “Following a spell of rain, sleet and hill snow, temperatures will fall quickly allowing ice to form on untreated pavements, cycle paths and roads.
“Some injuries from slips and accidents on icy surfaces are possible.
“Some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.”
A government cold weather health alert warns of “dangerous” winter conditions until the end of the week.
Dr Angie Bone, spokeswoman for Public Health England’s (PHE) Extreme Events team, urged people to keep an eye on the elderly and vulnerable.
She said: “As this colder period continues we should all check in on those we know, whether they’re friends, family or neighbours, who may be at risk, and offer to lend a helping hand.
“It can be all too easy for those of us who are fit and well and able to cope with the cold; but it’s really important to remember that it can leave some people feeling a bit cut off.”
Bookmaker Coral has slashed the odds on this winter ending up the coldest on record to 6-4 from from 3-1.
Spokesman John Hill said: “This is turning out to be a long winter this year and with temperatures continuing to drop this week, the odds suggest we could be set for a record cold season.”
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: "There are indications of quite a prolonged cold period."
Another band of snow, sleet and rain will sweep across the country from Wednesday to Thursday and bring a "milder blip" in the weather, Mr Burkill said.
But he added: "The cold weather is likely to return as we go towards the weekend.
"Really much of February and perhaps even into March it is going to stay on the cold side, so temperatures generally below average, with further frosts and also the risk of rain, sleet and snow as well."