Snow and freezing rain expected across UK as temperatures plummet

Temperatures fall to -8C as Britain braces for week-long wintry spell with health services on high alert

Temperatures across the UK have plunged to -8C (17.6F) as the country shivers under an arctic chill expected to bring widespread heavy snow and freezing rain over the weekend.

On Friday morning, the Met Office upgraded its weather warning for snow and ice from yellow to amber for much of northern and central England over the weekend, meaning power cuts and travel delays are expected and rural communities could become cut off.