UK weather: Met Office issues 30-hour ice and snow warnings for 144 areas

The Met Office has issued 30-hour ice and snow warnings covering 144 areas as an Arctic air mass brings widespread icy patches and snow into Wednesday.

A fresh set of ice and snow warnings covers 144 areas of the UK as an Arctic air mass pushes south. The Met Office attributes heavy snowfall in places to a cold air mass trapped between two low-pressure systems. Warnings extend across much of the country for about 30 hours and include separate alerts for parts of northern Scotland and Northern Ireland. Forecasters say higher ground in southern regions may see snow later in the week and that further alerts could follow as conditions evolve. Key points: - The Met Office has issued 30-hour ice and snow warnings covering 144 areas across the UK. - Officials report a cold air mass trapped between two low-pressure systems, and where moisture meets that Arctic air heavy snow has fallen. - Specific alerts include a yellow warning from southern England to central Scotland active until 10am on Wednesday, a separate alert for northern Scotland on Wednesday, and an ice warning for Northern Ireland running from 6pm today until 11am on Wednesday. Summary: The warnings cover a large portion of the UK and indicate a spell of icy patches and snow that could affect routines and travel in the coming days. The Met Office has said forecasts are being monitored and additional warnings may be issued later in the week as the situation becomes clearer.