Britain braced for 24 hour cold snap

Motorists across Scotland and the north of England have been told to expect poor travelling conditions.

Weather forecasters have predicted a 24-hour cold snap, with snow expected on higher ground across the north of the UK.

Across Strathclyde, Central, Tayside, Lothian and Borders areas of Scotland, "be aware" advice was issued by the Met Office, along with a warning that ice is likely to form in areas where rain falls on freezing ground.

The dip in temperatures follows mild conditions over the past week, with expectations that Britain could enjoy one of the mildest winters on record. Whether the UK will continue to face unseasonably high temperatures, or instead face a prolonged cold snap will become clearer towards the end of this week.

Met Office spokesman Dan Williams told the Daily Mail that if westerly winds off the Atlantic prevail, then mild weather will follow. An easterly wind however could bring cold air from continental Europe.

He said: "Either we will continue to get mild temperatures or it will get much colder, with wind bringing widespread frost and snow in some areas."