Cold snap grips UK as -20C possible overnight

Wintry weather is tightening its grip in many parts of the UK, with sub-zero temperatures expected to plunge even lower overnight and more snow forecast in places.

Forecasters predict the coldest nights of the year over the next two days, and temperatures are expected to fall as low as -20C in some places that endured heavy snowfall at the weekend.

A fresh amber warning for snow has come into force in the South West, with yellow snow and ice warnings also in place for other parts of the UK into Thursday.

There are more than 70 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, and around 140 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, in place across England, external.

One flood warning and three flood alerts are in force in Wales, external.

There are no severe flood warnings in place, which indicate a danger to life or significant disruption.

Looking ahead, the flooding and warnings are expected to reduce with no significant rain predicted in the areas experiencing flooding.

An amber cold health alert – the second-highest level – covering all regions of England, external is in place until midday on Sunday.

The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), warns the freezing conditions are likely to result in a rise in deaths, particularly among older and vulnerable people, and an increase in demand for health services.

They are different to weather warnings and provide early warning to healthcare providers, and suggest actions such as actively monitoring individuals at a high risk.

Dr Agostinho Sousa from the UKHSA said it was vital to check in on vulnerable people who could be “more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures”.