UK weather forecast latest: Snow and ice warnings in force amid Arctic blast

Weather experts have put snow and ice warnings in force across the UK as the arctic blast freezing the nation continues.

The Met Office has issued an ice warning for the majority of England and all of Wales and Northern Ireland.

This ice warning also reaches up into southern Scotland, while a further warning of snow and ice has been issued for the rest of Scotland including Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.

Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: "Be aware that there's the potential for some icy conditions out on the roads.

"Make sure you give yourself a bit of extra time - you will probably need a little longer to scrape the car as well."

A painfully low temperature of minus 3.4C was recorded at Great Dun Fell in Cumbria overnight as many places dropped to freezing or lower.

Patchy rain and sleet was moving in over north Wales early on Thursday morning, which brings the risk of icy stretches on untreated surfaces.

To the north showers were starting to bring snow to parts of Scotland, while flakes were falling on inland areas and higher ground.

The yellow snow and ice warning for Scotland is due to remain in place until midday on Thursday.

The yellow ice warning for Northern Ireland, Wales and England - excluding the far South East and Cornwall - expires at 11am.

Thursday night is set to be coldest of the week, with temperatures potentially as low as minus 5C in some areas.

In to the weekend, a Met Office forecaster previously told the Standard the cold weather is here to stay.

The mercury could plunge as low as -7C in central England on Saturday night then it is likely to remain chilly into Monday.