Conditions over the weekend and into the early part of next week will become increasingly cold, possibly exceptionally cold.
Although the cold spell is forecast to remain in place for some time, there is a large uncertainty in the potential for snowfall.
Thursday is the first day of spring, but the cold is expected to remain in place for several days and there are signs that the cold spell in the UK is likely to last well into next week and perhaps into the following week.
The Met Office is working with partners in road, rail and air transport to help minimize the impacts on the public.
“Over 65s, those with conditions like heart and lung diseases and young children, are all at particular risk in cold weather as their bodies struggle to cope when temperatures fall. So before it gets cold check on friends, family and neighbours, who may be at risk and make sure they’re heating homes to at least 18C, see if they need any particular help or just someone to talk to and keep an eye on the Met Office’s forecasts and warnings. Remember keeping warm will help keep you well.”
