Britain is bracing itself for the first blast of winter this weekend with the threat of freezing temperatures, storm force winds, snow, hail and ice making for hazardous driving conditions.

Severe weather warnings are in place across a swathe of the country with wintry showers threatening ice overnight and snow falling on higher ground in western and northwestern areas.

Flurries have already been seen as far south as Exeter.

Image: Snow has already fallen over higher ground in the UK and more is forecast

The wintry weather, which follows an unseasonably warm autumn, is being brought in by a cold northwesterly airstream with clear spells allowing temperatures to plunge below freezing.

Yellow "be aware" warnings of ice have been issued by the Met Office for the Midlands, the North of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.


The area of low pressure is expected to move across southern Britain on Sunday bringing heavy rain and southwesterly gales.

Gusts of up to 55mph could be seen in inland areas, particularly over Sussex and Kent, while wind speeds of 65mph are possible on exposed south coastal locations.

These gales are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain - up to 30mm within less than 12 hours.

Motorists have been warned over the risk of difficult driving conditions due to localised flooding and the threat of fallen trees.

:: The latest Sky News weather forecast

Weather conditions are expected to improve from the southwest later on Sunday.



Sky News weather presenter and producer Kirsty McCabe said: "Usually the Autumn months are marked by spells of wet and windy weather, but it's been very quiet this year.

"That may change this weekend as an area of low pressure could bring stormy conditions to southern parts of the UK.

"However, there is a lot of uncertainty with the forecast track of this low pressure and the situation may change. It's one to keep an eye on as it could be the first named storm of the season.

"There may be gales or severe gales for southern coastal areas with gusts up to 65mph during late Saturday and early Sunday morning from Lyme Bay eastwards.

"Heavy rain could also be an issue during the early hours of Sunday."