UK weather forecast: Britain braced for heavy snow and blizzards as temperatures plummet

The UK is set for blizzards, freezing rain and black ice this weekend as temperatures plummet.

An amber weather warning – the second highest – has been put in place for the Midlands, the north of England and Scotland for much of Saturday and Sunday.

In Scotland heavy snow and blizzards are forecast with likely disruption to travel and infrastructure, forecasters said.

The Met Office added that black ice could blight roads northern parts of England leading to potentially “treacherous” conditions for those looking to drive or travel.

As well as driving, travelling by rail or bus could also be hazardous as “black ice may form quickly”.

The Met Office said: “Freezing rain is expected to result in the rapid development of widespread ice, with very dangerous travelling conditions likely.”

The weather warnings cover Saturday from 10am until 6am on Sunday.

Temperatures are expected to fall to -3 on Friday night while daytime temperatures may not rise about 2C.

Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said: “We’re looking at some very severe weather this weekend."

Mr Wilson added that there was widespread warning of ice due to the freezing rain.

He said Saturday could be the coldest day of winter so far and warned there could be heavy rain and strong winds in London.

In addition to the amber warning, there is a yellow warning for rain and wind in the South West and in southern Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as a wider yellow warning for snow and ice for both days this weekend.