UK weather: Snow and ice warnings issued by Met Office as -12C forecast

Rain is forecast to spread south and east across the UK on Monday night and Tuesday, with the air is cold enough for this to turn to snow for some.

A yellow weather warning for snow has been issued for northern and eastern Scotland starting at 03:00 GMT on Tuesday and valid until 18:00.

There could be as much as 5-10cm of snow accumulating over the highest ground (above 400m) but even down to lower levels 2-5cm is forecast.

The snow could make some higher routes impassable and there could be some disruption to rail journeys.

During Tuesday there could also be hill snow in the North Pennines and the North York Moors.

Ice will also be a hazard with additional Met Office yellow warnings issued for northern and eastern Scotland – valid from 19:00 Monday to 10:00 GMT Tuesday.

An ice warning is also issued for central Scotland and down to northern England from 05:00 to 12:00 GMT Tuesday.

Further frequent and heavy snow showers will spread into northern Scotland overnight Tuesday, even to sea level. These will continue right through until Thursday.

With snow accumulating, another Met Office warning for snow and ice is in force for northern Scotland from 18:00 GMT Tuesday to 21:00 Thursday.

Frequent snow showers may bring 2-5cm to low levels but as much as 15-20cm is possible above 300m.

Gusty winds and lightning with the snow may bring additional hazards.