Snow and ice is set to batter parts of Britain this morning as temperatures plunge to zero less than two weeks before Christmas.
The bleak end to the week of the general election will see up to 5cm of snow fall in places with areas in Northern Ireland, England and Scotland all set to bear the brunt.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for both snow and ice with problems anticipated to last until the late morning.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has issued widespread alerts for England with 10 flood warnings and 113 alerts across the country.
Snow charts by weather forecaster Net Weather also show ferocious winds sweeping across northern areas of the UK and even as far down as the Midlands and Wales.
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The Met Office warning says: "A spell of rain and hill snow is likely to affect many areas, with skies clearing at times to allow icy surfaces, although these won't affect all places.
"The snow is most likely above 200 metres elevation and probably focused in the north Pennines and into parts of Scotland; here it could affect a few lower lying areas."
England
North West
Rain and hill snow is set to hit first thing before becoming sunnier later on.
There will still be scattered wintry showers throughout the afternoon as temperatures sit at just 4C.
Snow showers will be frequent in some areas in the evening as it nears freezing.
Ice warning in place until 11am.
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North East
Rain will hit most areas with snow a possibility over higher ground.
The afternoon will be drier with plenty of sunshine as temperatures hit 5C.
Snow will return on higher ground with a risk of morning frost and -1C.
Ice warning in place until 11am.
West Midlands
A dry and sunny start with the risk of a few heavy showers in the afternoon.
The temperature at night will drop to 3C with long clear spells and a patchy frost.
Widespread frost and mist to continue later next week.
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East Midlands
Rain to start the day in some places, while others stay dry.
Where rain clears there's a good chance of sunny spells before cloud arrives in the afternoon.
More showers in the evening with temperatures as low as 2C.
Yorkshire and Humber
Rain to start the day, particularly in the north, as temperature don't rise above 5C.
Rain will clear to be replaced by sunshine, however rain will return in the evening.
That could bring the chance of snow on higher ground overnight.
East of England
Dry day with some good spells of sunshine with more clouds in the afternoon.
Strong winds will make it seem cooler, with day time temperatures no warmer than 7C.
Increasingly cloudy and rainy overnight with it falling to 4C.
London and South East England
A dry start before rain clouds bring showers throughout the morning.
It will feel warmer than most areas with temperatures hitting 9C.
More rain and strong winds in the evening, with Kent worst hit.
South West England
Blustery showers and gale-force winds will hit coastal regions.
Winds will become lighter in the evening as temperatures fall to 4C.
Sunshine to return on Monday.
Scotland
Small chance of snowfall in Strathclyde, Edinburgh and Tayside, with wet snow on lower levels.
The frequency will lift as the day continues, however, Glasgow is at threat overnight.
Weather warning for ice in place for South Grampian and the southeast Highlands.
Snow also across the hills in the Highlands.
Northern Ireland
Up to 5cm of snow to fall in some places with showers easing in the early morning.
Snowfall and ice is likely to affect roads and railways.
Ice warning also in place until 11am on Sunday.
Wales
Dry and bright start to the day before blustery showers arrive later in the morning.
Coastal areas will face gale-force winds as temperatures hit 7C.
Showers will affect most places in the evening with fog patches in the east.
Ice warning in place until 11am.
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