The UK Met Office has issued an amber Severe Weather Warning today as it forecasts a week-long polar blast of sub-zero temperatures.
Monday's snowfall will trigger the start of a big freeze with temperatures expected to drop as low as minus four across the whole of the country.
The snow is expected to return next weekend as the wintry and unsettled conditions continue into February.
The Department of Health has issued a 'Level 2' cold-weather alert running for the next two to three days, which is triggered when low temperatures give rise to significant health risks.
It warned that low temperatures can especially be dangerous for vulnerable patients, including the young and the elderly or those with chronic disease.
Chris Tubbs, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: "At the moment we have a high pressure system over eastern Europe trying to push cold air in from the east, while milder Atlantic air is trying to push in from the west.
"The colder air is set to win over the next few days, bringing a risk of snow to western areas on Monday morning. Looking further ahead into February, there is uncertainty over how this finely balanced situation will play out, with colder conditions more likely to dominate but milder weather could still return.”
The snow alert, issued this afternoon, is valid from 3.30pm on Sunday to mid-day on Monday.
The amber alert, which is the second highest level of warning, affects Wales, the West Midlands and South West as well as London and the South East.
The alert warns: “Rain pushing in from the west is expected turn to snow on the leading edge, especially on hills. As much as 10 cm may accumulate across hilly parts of south and southeast Wales, this area covered by the Amber warning, the main focus being through this evening.
“For SW England, accumulations of about 5 cm are possible over the moors, with Exmoor most likely to see these amounts through this evening. A slushy covering of 1 or 2cm of snow at lower levels could not be ruled out.
“Further east across southern England, snow is more likely to arrive overnight or early on Monday morning but with only 1 or 2 cm at most, again chiefly over the hills.
“The public are advised to be aware of the potential for disruption to traffic, particularly this evening within the amber area. There remains uncertainty in the amounts of snow, and also the eastern extent of any snow.”
Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK said: "It may have been relatively mild so far this year but the winter can be a dangerous time for older people. Many people believe that the only risk of winter weather is getting a cold but the risk is much greater. Low temperatures raise blood pressure which puts people at a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes and well as increasing the likelihood and severity of flu and other respiratory problems.
"We want older people to be able to enjoy the winter and, most importantly of all, stay well. That is why we have linked up with the Met Office to get advance information to ensure that forewarned is forearmed when it comes to winter weather."
Patrick Sachon, Health Business Manager at the Met Office said: "With the first real cold snap of the winter, Age UK demonstrates just how valuable the Cold Weather Alert Service is to the more vulnerable sectors of the community.
"These alerts put everyone in a better position to respond to forecasts of severe weather, inform those who are most at risk from winter weather and what they can do to keep well."
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