As snow blankets parts of the UK, schools nationwide have shuttered their doors in response to the wintry weather conditions.
With two amber weather warnings issued for snow and ice, accompanied by a brief cold snap, regions brace for potential travel disruptions.
The warnings encompass north Wales and north-west Shropshire from 08:00 GMT to 15:00, and the Peak District and south Pennines from 12:00 until 18:00.
Anticipating "persistent and at times heavy snow" with accumulations of up to 25cm, authorities advise caution for travelers.
Yellow weather warnings span across all four nations, signaling a mixed bag of precipitation. While southern regions expect rain, areas north from the north Midlands and north Wales anticipate a blend of rain and snow.
The hills of north Wales, the Peak District, and the southern Pennines are braced for heavy snowfall, followed by a transition to rain later in the day.
In response to the weather alerts, schools in affected areas have closed their doors, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Roads and rail networks are likely to experience delays, with potential power outages adding to the disruption.
The Met Office highlights the risk of impassable pavements and cycle paths due to untreated ice, urging caution to prevent slips and falls.
The weather system's complexity may yield varying conditions depending on altitude, with Highland areas experiencing sub-zero temperatures while milder conditions prevail elsewhere.
While snowfall may impact the morning commute, sleet and rain may intermix, particularly in lower-lying regions.
Looking ahead, snowfall is forecast to intensify in Scotland, accompanied by strong winds, while England and Wales may experience heavy spells amid rising temperatures.
As the UK grapples with wintry conditions, the EU's climate service issues a stark warning: global warming has surpassed the 1.5C threshold for the first time. Despite this, urgent carbon emission reductions offer hope in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Photo by Panhard, Wikimedia commons.