Snow and freezing temperatures to hit UK

The first significant winter freeze across the UK is likely to descend over the course of the week, with temperatures potentially dropping as low as -10C (14F) and snow flurries possible in many regions. Some higher parts of Scotland and northern England have had scatterings of snow, which is expected to spread to lower, more populous regions, a Met Office spokeswoman said. From Wednesday, north-east England and eastern Scotland could see snow showers, with the snow expected to spread later in the week across East Anglia, south-east England and perhaps into Wales. "It's too early to say how much snow there will be but it could definitely settle," she said. The south of England is unlikely to see enough snow to cause significant disruption, although more could fall in areas such as the Pennines. Temperatures are expected to plummet this week, and it is likely to feel even colder by next weekend, with lows on exposed high ground dipping to about -10C. Temperatures in some rural areas in southern England could fall to -5C. Such weather was "fairly typical for this time of year", the spokeswoman added.