Prepare for travel chaos as the Met Office issues a chilling warning of an Arctic freeze sweeping across parts of Britain, bringing with it up to eight inches of snow in temperatures plummeting to -4°C.

Forecasters caution that disruptive snow and ice are set to cause havoc, particularly affecting Scotland, northern England, parts of Wales, and the West Midlands starting from today and continuing through the night. Commuters waking up on Monday may find the ground blanketed with flurries, creating potentially treacherous travel conditions.

The Met Office predicts that snow and ice will relentlessly hit Scotland, northern England, parts of Wales, and the West Midlands from Tuesday, with an anticipated snowfall of around 4 inches. However, there are warnings of local areas receiving up to 20cm (8 inches) of snowfall during the week.

This week, the majority of the country remains under snow and ice warnings, with the added concern of 75 mph gale-force winds. Scotland, in particular, faces power loss and transport delays on both road and water. The bitter cold even allowed wild swimmers to break through the ice on a frozen Avon Lagoon in Linlithgow, West Lothian, on Sunday.

As of today, wind alerts are active in Scotland from 10 am to 4 pm, potentially leading to power outages and transportation disruptions. Warnings for snow and ice persist throughout the week, with injuries expected due to the hazardous conditions.

Looking into Monday, the snow and ice alert remains in place until 11.59 pm, impacting Northern Ireland as well. The warning outlines potential disruptions to roads, railways, and longer journey times, cautioning against icy patches on untreated surfaces.

The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a warning, urging the public to stay safe during this cold snap.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Chris Bulmer advises, “With cold air firmly in place, any weather systems that move across the country next week will bring mainly snowfall inland.” Models suggest various possibilities and more details will be provided in the coming days.

As the freezing weather sets in, travel plans are expected to face significant disruptions. National Highways Network Manager, Amy Fellows, emphasises the importance of preparing for the unexpected, including checking the journey in advance, allowing extra time, and ensuring vehicles are winter-ready.

Southern regions are currently at a “low risk” of snow, but the Met Office warns that snow showers will become more frequent throughout the week, leading to potential accumulations, especially in the north of Scotland and northern England. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.