First snow falls as arctic weather conditions sweep across Britain

The first snow of winter has hit Britain as an Arctic wind whips across the country bringing temperatures that could go as low as minus eight.

Parts of Scotland and Northern England have already had a coating of snow this morning as the cold front spreads, with falls expected to get heavier throughout the day.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for much of the UK today and tomorrow, urging people to "be aware" of snow and ice throughout Scotland, Northern Ireland, North East and North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, the Midlands, and Wales.

Forecasters say the weather system will move north to south throughout today, with the severe warning remaining in place until midday tomorrow.

People have been sharing their photos of wintry scenes online, with gardens in Kingussie, in the Highlands, under a layer of snow, as well as the beach at Loch Morlich and the A9 at Drumochter.

There are also reports of lighter snow fall in Northumberland and County Durham.

The freezing temperatures and blowy conditions will pose a danger to drivers, with icy stretches on the roads and reduced visibility throughout today and and into tomorrow morning’s commute.

Up to four inches of snow could fall on higher ground before Monday lunchtime, with two inches in lower lying areas.

The Met Office said: “Cold air will move southeast across the UK following a frontal system.

Within the cold air frequent showers will form and push into areas exposed to the strong west to northwesterly winds.

“These showers falling primarily as snow above around 750 feet with a mixture of hail, sleet and snow to lower levels.

North Wales, Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will all face high winds from throughout the day - with “a risk of storm force winds for parts of Western Scotland”.

The Met Office is predicting gusts of up to 80mph, and warns of “significant disruption”. There could also be problems with travel and power supplies.

The Met’s chief forecaster added: “Winds of this strength have the potential to uproot trees and perhaps cause damage to buildings and with frequent heavy, wintry showers as well, driving conditions are likely to be very difficult.”

Wintry conditions have prompted bookies to slash the odds on a White Christmas with Ladbrokes offering prices of 7/2 in Glasgow, 9/2 in Manchester and 5/1 in London.

But the Met Office said it was too early to predict if there would be snowfall on Christmas Day.

The outlook for the rest of December was for unsettled weather with a mixture of cold spells and showers.