Extremely cold weather warnings have been issued for much of the north of the UK, with up to 20 inches (51cm) of snow to higher ground possible over the next two days.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice and snow covering much of southern Scotland. It is in effect until 11 a.m. Monday.

A further yellow warning, covering areas of Wales, the East Midlands and the north of England, including Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria, will be in force from 7pm Monday to 10am Tuesday.

Snow and ice could cause disruption across the north of the UK, and there is little chance of up to 10cm of snow being deposited at lower levels, forecasters said. As rain, sleet and snow dissipate Tuesday morning, ice may form on untreated surfaces.

In Scotland, showers are expected to become increasingly wintry throughout the day, with hail, sleet and some snow. Up to 20 inches of snow is possible in elevations above 1,000 feet. Up to 3 inches may accumulate in other locations.

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued cold weather alerts, covering the Midlands and the north of England, until 9am on Thursday.

These indicate that weather conditions are likely to have an impact on health and social care services, including increased use of health services by vulnerable people and increased risk to the lives of vulnerable people.

The weather conditions could cause problems on roads and railways, with longer journey times by car, bus and train. The Met Office also warned of the possibility of icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

Andy Page, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “We have issued yellow warnings for snow and ice as cold weather arrives from the north. This brings snow showers and some ice to parts of Scotland on Sunday evening, then the possibility of a spell of snow disrupting some transport routes across a central part of the UK on Tuesday morning.

“Gusty winds blowing from the east also remain a potential danger. Updated warnings about winter hazards are likely, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecasts. »

The cold front comes later weeks of mild and above average temperatures. Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said: “It’s going to get colder over the next few days – it’s still quite mild in the south but there is a cold front which will flow south into the north of the United Kingdom.

“There’s going to be a bit of winter in the hills, for example, tonight and tomorrow. This is all at quite high levels – in the Scottish mountains, in the Lake District perhaps. Next, we enter our warning period for snow and ice.

Mr Madge said the cold snap would still be “largely sunny”. “Technically and meteorologically, we are not yet in winter,” he added. “We are still in late autumn, because for meteorologists winter begins in December, but this is the first cold spell of the season so far.”

Forecasters say the weather change is due to the arrival of a depression.

The AA has advised night and early morning drivers to “keep calm as fog becomes likely in parts of the UK” and check their vehicles. RAC Breakdown also warned drivers to watch out for the effects of a cold snap on car batteries.

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RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Frost, ice and snow all put more pressure on car batteries, so if a vehicle is struggling to start it’s either a sign that the battery needs to be recharged or that it is about to fail and needs to be replaced.

“We strongly suggest drivers have their battery checked by a mobile mechanic or garage as soon as possible. Taking your car for 30 minutes before you need it and turning off all electrical appliances at the end of your trip are effective ways to reduce the risk of an unwanted flat start.

“In freezing conditions, it’s also worth packing a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy boots and a mobile power bank for all eventualities. »