Weather warning for snow and ice issued in parts of UK over weekend

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Warnings have been issued across various parts of the UK over the weekend.

Northern areas of the country will be affected between 6am and 2pm on Saturday.

A spokesperson said: "Outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow are likely to develop early on Saturday, before clearing from the west during the afternoon."

Particularly above 150 metres, where 2 to 5cm may accumulate over the North York Moors and Northumberland.

Over the Pennines, especially above 200 metres where freezing rain is a possibility.

It is not often seen in the UK because the conditions required for it are quite specific.

It's rainfall that has become "supercooled" as it falls from the sky, passing through different temperatures in the atmosphere.

It begins as sleet or hail up in the upper levels of the atmosphere, but as it moves downwards it melts through a layer of warmer air, before refreezing again through a layer of colder air near the ground.

The Met Office has warned that the wintry weather could cause traffic congestion and make driving "dangerous".

It advises people to check for any road closures before driving and to consider checking the road conditions beforehand. Pedestrians are advised to use the pavements on main roads to reduce the risk of slipping.

Freezing rain is likely to be seen in Britain over the coming days, as high pressure to the north and east of the country continues to bring in cloud and cold air.

It can create striking effects, forming as raindrops spread out momentarily across a surface before freezing and encasing the surface in a layer of clear ice.

The weight of the ice can sometimes be heavy enough to knock down trees and electricity cables, and the layer of ice on the ground effectively turns roads and paths into an ice rink, according to the Met Office.

It can also prove extremely hazardous for aircraft, with the risk of icicles forming across an aeroplane's wings.

The ice is extremely transparent, often known as black ice, because it is so hard to spot, making it hazardous for pedestrians and motorists.

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