The first snowfall of the season has led to the closure of almost 200 schools across the UK, with forecasters warning of further snow and ice to come.
Around 130 schools in the Powys, Wrexham and Flintshire areas of Wales as well as around 50 in the West Midlands and 19 in Derbyshire have closed due to the weather.
After Tuesday’s snow, freezing temperatures overnight could lead to icy roads and pavements on Wednesday, BBC Weather said.
Met Office yellow warnings for snow and ice are in force for the West Midlands for the rest of Tuesday and Wales into Wednesday morning. Warnings for eastern and northern England, south-west Scotland and Northern Ireland will come into effect from 18:00 GMT.
Northern Scotland is also under a yellow warning until Wednesday morning.
A yellow warning means it is likely that the weather will cause some low level disruption to travel and the danger of slips and falls on icy ground.
Forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said snow and ice is expected to affect south Wales on Tuesday afternoon, with 2-5cm (1-2in) expected on higher ground before the snow clears to the south later. Ice will be a hazard into this evening.
Ice is also expected to form overnight in Northern Ireland and the north of Scotland with wintry showers continuing into tomorrow.
Counties along the North Sea coast will see snow showers during Tuesday evening and into Wednesday morning with the possibility of 10cm (4in) accumulations over higher ground.
Temperatures in the coming days will be much lower than the mid-November average by day – and are expected to reach below freezing by night.
They are predicted to drop to -2C in London on Friday, -4C in Birmingham and -7C further north.
The average November temperature for London is 11C during the day and 5C at night.
The RAC said Tuesday’s snow was the “first taste of winter” for many drivers with “some of the worst road conditions we’ve seen all year”.
Spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Everyone should travel prepared in case they find themselves broken down at the side of the road: a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy footwear and a charging cable and mobile power bank are all essentials.”
Laura Sabourn
PA Media
The UK health security agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold weather health alert for the east of England, East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
This means that there is an increased risk to vulnerable people, warning the weather could have an impact on the whole health service.
“It is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk,” Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said.
BBC Weather says forecasting snow is difficult at lower levels, especially in mid-November when the ground and surrounding seas are still relatively warm compared to midwinter.
By this coming weekend, forecasters are expecting the cold air to be replaced by milder south-westerly winds – with potentially wet and very windy weather sweeping in.
As the wetter weather moves northwards there remains the risk of some snow, before it quickly thaws.
