Colder air is expected to move south across the UK from tomorrow (Thursday, January 1), bringing a marked drop in temperatures, severe gales in the north, and an increasing risk of snow and ice.

According to the Met Office’s website: “High pressure to the west and low pressure to the east will bring a northerly airflow across the UK from New Year’s Day. This pattern allows Arctic air to push south, resulting in a prolonged spell of very cold weather as we head into the New Year. Warnings for wind, snow and ice are now in place. ”