TEMPERATURES are expected reach lows of -3C in parts of Somerset amid yellow and amber warnings for ice and snow which have been issued across the UK.

Across Somerset, temperatures will fall below freezing, reaching -3C in some areas in South West Somerset areas. The mercury is expected to hit -2C and -1C in other areas of Somerset, while it will be slightly milder in the north.

Yellow and amber warnings, which kick in at 12pm on Saturday, are in place until 11.59pm on Sunday (January 5), forecast snow and ice in parts of the UK, with chances of sleet and frost in the south west. Temperatures have already reached -4C around Dulverton, West Somerset.

The weather is expected to remain cold but mostly dry and sunny throughout today (Friday, January 3) with temperatures dropping below freezing into the evening with a widespread frost developing for many. The county will experience lows of -3C and -2C in Dulverton and Tiverton areas.

Saturday will start cloudy, reaching highs of 4C, with chances of sleet from 3pm and some snow in the north and east parts of Somerset, followed by heavy rain and colder temperatures developing into the evening.

According to Met Office reports: “Whilst there is some uncertainty, any snow in southern and eastern parts of England, especially at low levels, will probably be rather transient before turning back to rain.”

But temperatures are expected to be back into double figures come Sunday. Light rain is forecast throughout the day with patches of sunshine by midday and highs of 12C.

By Monday the forecast returns to cloudy skies with some sun and some rain and highs of 5C.

The Met Office is warning of possible travel disruption across the UK due to snow and freezing rain. There are some chances of power cuts affecting homes and other services such a mobile phone coverage with the possibility of some small communities being cut off.