The Met Office has updated a severe weather warning for snow and ice across the UK as the cold weather creeps in, bringing with it temperatures as low as -1C.

People living in parts of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been told to brace themselves over the next few days, as snow falls, the mercury plummets and conditions become icy.

But the Met Office has now warned this could also spread to the south of England.

Up to 10cm of snow is expected to fall in northern parts of the country, bringing an end to the generally mild and dry weather conditions experienced in the first half of November.

Brits are being told to expect icy patches on the roads and, as the cold flurries continue, a risk of power cuts and disruption to bus and train services.

A yellow warning for snow and ice in northern Scotland, including the Orkney and Shetland islands, came into place from 4pm on Sunday and will last until 11am on Monday.

Up to 10cm of snow is possible on higher ground this morning, while lower levels could see between 1cm and 3cm, leading to difficult travel conditions.

The Met Office said temperatures overnight on Sunday into Monday were likely to be below zero in much of northern England and Scotland.

A yellow weather warning has also been issued for parts of northern England and southern Scotland on Monday and Tuesday with up to 20cm of snow possible on higher ground.

And there is a small chance of snow settling at lower levels, up to 10cm, forecasters warned.

The warnings cover much of southern Scotland and north-east England, as well as parts of Yorkshire and parts of north-west England, including Lancashire and Cumbria.

The England warning is from just over the border and goes as far south as Nottingham and includes north Wales.

London is not forecast to see any snow this week, but temperatures will remain cold with highs of just 5C on Wednesday and 4C on Thursday.

Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, said ‘We have issued yellow warnings for snow and ice as cold weather moves in from the north.

‘This brings snow showers and some ice to parts of Scotland on Sunday night, and then the potential for a spell of snow to lead to disruption to some transport routes across a central swathe of the UK on Tuesday morning.

‘Gusty winds in the east also remain a potential hazard. Updates to the warnings for wintry hazards are likely so it is important to stay up to date with the latest forecast’.

In addition, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Cold Health Alert for large swathes of England running until Thursday – putting NHS services on notice to expect greater demand.

As the north prepares to feel the colder temperatures first, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive, Katherine Crawford, has issued advice on how to stay warm.

She said: ‘As we get older it can take us longer to warm up, and colder temperatures can exacerbate respiratory problems, heart disease and other health conditions.

‘There is also a concern for older people who have difficulty heating their homes to a comfortable level because of the bigger energy bills we are facing.

‘There is concern too for those with restricted mobility, who may find it harder to get out and about while travel disruption prevents people from being able to get from one place to another safely.

‘There are also simple steps we can all take to ensure no one feels they are facing this period alone.

‘Bad weather may make it difficult for people to get out for essential shopping or medical appointments, so we’d urge everyone to check in on older family, friends and neighbours during this period to find out if they need any extra support.

‘A friendly phone call or an offer to help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or de-icing paths could be a lifeline for someone who feels isolated at home during this cold spell.’

‘Older people, their carers and families in Scotland looking for help or advice can call Age Scotland’s free helpline on 0800 12 44 222.’