Thundersnow may strike the UK this week as forecasters issue ice warnings for large parts of the UK while temperatures are set to plummet below zero.
The MET Office have issued weather alerts, which are likely to cause disruption for road and rail users as wet ground turns to ice and temperatures plunge.
Read more: Threat to life warning as severe snow and ice hits UK
A fleet of 32 gritters were out in south west Scotland where Transerv described conditions as “Baltic”, while efforts were underway to keep the M62 trans-Pennine route open with ploughs and salt.
A MET Office spokeswoman told Sky News: “When thunderstorms form in wintry conditions, they can sometimes give rise to heavy downpours of snow, along with the usual thunder and lightening, so it is called thundersnow.
“It is considered unusual because it can only really occur during a few months of the year.”
Read more: MET Office warn snow could batter Britain as early as next week
The ‘thudersnow’ front is expected to hit northern and western parts of the UK. The Western Highlands are expected to face the brunt of the snow with higher areas predicted to face 10cm.
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