A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued by the Met Office covering large parts of the UK.

The ice alert is in place for swathes of Wales, Northern Ireland and the east of England, while northern parts of Scotland are set for snow.

Meanwhile, London has activated a severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers.

Overnight temperatures could dip down to as low as -6°C in England and -10°C in Scotland.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, said: ‘As the cold air pushes across the UK from the north temperatures will dip, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing in many places from mid-week onwards.

‘However, the cold air from the arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells, particularly away from the coast.

The map shows where the snow will fall and ice will be (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

Conditions like this could become a familiar sight this winter (Picture: PA)

‘Showers will turn more wintry as the week goes on with a risk of snow at times.

‘Yellow national severe weather warnings for ice and snow have been issued for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the east coast of the UK for Wednesday and Thursday.

‘We can expect to see further snow and wintry showers as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or over higher ground.

‘There will be widespread frosts with temperatures falling to as low as -10°C overnight in isolated spots by the end of the week.

‘More severe weather warnings could be needed as we head through the week.’

Rough sleepers in London will be provided in with emergency accomodation (Picture: PA)

A level 3 cold alert has also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from Wednesday evening through to December 12.

UKHSA consultant Dr Agostinho Sousa warned: ‘Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.

‘If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.

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‘In rooms you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18°C if you can.

‘Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.’

The RAC has advised drivers to check tyres are properly inflated and with good tread, while topping up oil, coolant and screen wash levels if needed.

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Temperatures could dip down to -6°C in England and -10°C in Scotland.