UK weather: some areas to get 5cm of snow and temperatures to fall to -10C

Parts of the UK could see 5cm of snow on Friday with temperatures expected to drop as low as -10C in some areas.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice remains in place for the eastern coast of the UK, stretching from Scotland to East Anglia. Ice warnings remain in place for Northern Ireland and south-west England.

Hilly areas including the North York Moors and parts of Scotland will see more snow on Friday, forecasters said.

Snow swept across south-west England, parts of Yorkshire, north-east England and Scotland on Thursday.

More than 30 schools in Cornwall closed for the day or opened late owing to hazardous conditions.

In County Durham, police said snowy conditions led to some crashes on the roads.

Another widespread frost is expected on Friday morning, with overnight temperatures dropping as low as -6C in south-west England, 8C in Wales and -10C in parts of Scotland, the Met Office said.

Ellie Glaisyer, a Met Office meteorologist, said: “For most of us it will be dry and bright. There will be some wintry showers over the hills.

“There could be 2cm to 5cm of snow for areas 100 metres to 200 metres above sea level, with rain falling at lower levels, particularly Northern Ireland and western Scotland.

“The North York Moors and parts of Scotland will likely get snow.

“There will be another widespread frost, with a max temperature of 5C across the South.”

The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued amber cold health alerts in five regions – the east Midlands, West Midlands, north-west, north-east and Yorkshire and the Humber – until 5 December, meaning “cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time”.

For those who may be travelling on the roads this weekend, National Highways advised motorists to keep a winter kit in the car.

Dale Hipkiss, the agency’s national network manager, said: “Keeping a kit of essential items like a torch and warm clothes, in your vehicle, can be vital in case you and your passengers become stranded.

“Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as snow and ice, so please … plan ahead for your journey, check weather forecasts, and if weather conditions do become challenging whilst travelling, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.

“It’s also a good idea for people to check [your] vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, etc. before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”

He added: “If you do unfortunately find yourself in an unsafe or vulnerable situation and need assistance, please contact the emergency services.”

The weather next week is likely to remain cold with a north-easterly air flow pushing through frigid air from the north.

The Met Office predicts a good deal of dry, sunny weather for many, showers remain possible across the UK, particularly in eastern coastal areas.

However, showers could turn wintry at times.

The weather will become increasingly unsettled and less cold in southern and central areas next week, but it will probably remain cold with further coastal wintry showers in the north.