Londoners have been warned to expect “very cold conditions” this week as temperatures are set to drop below zero.
The Met Office had issued a snow warning for London for Monday morning but the persistent rain that was falling on the capital did not turn wintry.
However temperatures are expected to drop to -3C this evening with a sharp frost expected, as well as a risk of icy patches.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Helen Caughey, described the cold snap that’s on its way: “After a spell of wet and mild weather to start 2023, a brief cold spell will change the feel of our weather across the UK for a few days next week.
“As a northerly flow establishes, we’ll see temperatures decline with overnight frosts returning and the chance of wintry showers in the north.
“It will certainly feel cold in all regions too, with the northerly winds creating a notable windchill.”
Three yellow warnings are in place for ice and snow: treacherous conditions will potentially last until 10am on Wednesday in Scotland. The warnings for Northern Ireland, north-west England and north Wales are in place until midday on Tuesday.
More than 100 flood warnings remained in place across England, where the Environment Agency said flooding was “expected”.
The areas mainly affected are along the River Severn, the River Avon, and for groundwater in parts of Dorset, near Dorchester and Bournemouth. A total of 170 flood alerts, meaning flooding is “possible”, were still active.
Rail passengers faced delays in southern England after a 44-metre landslide on the line between London and Basingstoke left track hanging in mid-air. People travelling through the area, near Hook in Hampshire, were told to avoid all but essential travel on trains. It affects services between London and Basingstoke, Bournemouth, Exeter, Salisbury, Southampton and Weymouth.
