UK set for coldest night of this winter

The UK is braced for its coldest night yet this winter as temperatures in England could reach as low as -15C.

Forecasters say the lowest temperatures are likely across the north-east of England, especially where snow has already fallen.

Fresh snowfalls are expected in Kent, Sussex and along the Thames estuary, with up to 3cm of snow at Gatwick Airport.

Northern Ireland and the north of Scotland are expected to be frost-free.

BBC Meteorologist Peter Gibbs warned people to wrap up warm overnight and said there would be widespread severe frost across England and Wales.

He said: "Where snow has melted, there will be areas where it will refreeze tonight.

He added: "Temperatures are set to fall to -8C in Nottingham, which is quite unusual for a city centre."

Birmingham could see temperatures of -6C, while those in Bristol could see their thermometers reach -5C. Those in central London are also advised to wrap up warm as temperatures could fall to -4C.

Gritted roads are liable to refreeze at temperatures lower than -8 to -10C.

However as the air is rather dry, some areas may not see ice forming despite the cold temperatures.

Weather forecasters say the snow will be nothing like as widespread as at the weekend.

Gatwick Airport says it has been told to expect "light snow showers" and a spokeswoman told the BBC she did not expect the weather to have an "operational impact" on the airport.

Wales and Southern Scotland are also expected to experience very low temperatures overnight.

Mr Gibbs said the lowest temperature ever recorded in England during February was -20.6C on 25 February 1947 in Woburn.

- BBC