Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing tonight as the Met Office issued an amber “be prepared” warning for Scotland, Northern Ireland and north-west England.

About 3-8cm (1-3 inches) of snow is predicted to fall over parts of northern England, possibly reaching as far as Yorkshire, the Humber and the Midlands. Up to 5-10cm of snow could blanket much of Scotland and Northern Ireland, with more than 15cm possible over higher ground, as temperatures fall below normal for the time of year.

“A colder airstream with sleet and snow showers affecting northern and western parts will continue to spread south-east on Wednesday,” the Met Office’s chief forecaster said.

“These snow showers will be heavy and frequent across parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England. Although accumulations will vary, 5cm or more is likely to accumulate at lower levels, perhaps falling in a short period of time.”

The Met warned the public to be prepared for travel disruption and hazardous driving conditions.

Billy Payne, of forecaster MeteoGroup, said: “We will certainly notice a drop in temperatures from in the region of 10C to, by the end of the day, 4C or 5C and widely dropping below zero overnight – down to minus 5C in high ground in the north.”

While the cold weather is due to last until early next week, he said, it is unlikely the UK could experience an impact from the heavy blizzards hitting much of the north-eastern coast of the US.

Public Health England urged people to take extra care as snow and cold winds hit northern England.

“Parts of England are really going to feel cold for the next few days so it’s really important people take extra care when out and about,” said Dr Angie Bone, head of extreme events at PHE.

In particular, she urged people to look out of the old and vulnerable.

“If you know someone in this situation, and most of us do, think about what you can you do to help out,” she said, adding that it was working adults who are most at risk from falls in the cold.

“Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually working-age adults who have the most slips and trips outside in cold and icy weather, not older people, which is why it’s important to wear shoes with a good, slip-resistant grip to prevent any accidental falls.”

Blizzards, storms and high winds are already battering parts of Northern Ireland.

The ferry between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island on the north coast has been cancelled. County Tyrone is experiencing strong winds, snow, thunder and lightning over part of the county. Met Eireann, the Irish Republic’s meteorological office, has also issued a weather warning for the west of Ireland. It has warned of gusts of wind of up to 110km/h (70mph) later on Wednesday.

Police in Northern Ireland and Scotland have warned motorists to take extra care.

“Make sure you have sufficient fuel and supplies such as warm clothing, food and water in the event you are delayed for several hours,” said Louise Blakelock, chief inspector of Police Scotland.

“Charge your mobile phone and plan your route, as well as alternative routes.”