Freezing fog and snow showers expected to lash Britain amid sub-zero cold snap

Conditions are likely to remain cold throughout the next fortnight,

However, there is an increasing chance of some snow showers, developing particularly in the north.

The Met Office forecast said: “Next week will begin mostly dry with variable amounts of cloud and some sunny spells. The sunniest weather is likely to be in the north and west.

“Elsewhere, probably mostly cloudy with a cold easterly breeze developing in the south. By the middle of next week, the wind should ease and, with high pressure in charge, there should be a good deal of dry weather.

“Cloud amounts will continue to be quite variable, but all areas should see some sunshine at times. Much colder than recently, with frost probably becoming quite widespread and some freezing fog patches are possible in places.

“Beyond next week, conditions are likely to remain cold, with an increasing chance of some snow showers, developing particularly in the north.”

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It comes as the UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather alert covering the whole of England valid from 9am on January 6 to 12 noon on January 9.

Temperatures likely to be below average especially overnight with much more overnight frost than of late.

Ice is likely to be an issue given the very wet ground in most areas.

For the period between January 19 and February 2, there is an increased chance of colder than average conditions.

The Met Office forecast said: “It is likely to be drier than recent weeks, but what does fall is more likely to be of a wintry nature.

“While there is a chance of brief, unsettled spells, which would bring milder air for a time, it would likely also be accompanied by a period of sleet or snow.

“However, when, or even if, this would happen is very uncertain, and overall the main theme will be much more in the way of settled conditions through this period.”