UK will be 'colder than Iceland' as new cold snap hits country

Parts of Britain are set for one of the coldest nights of 2017 as temperatures plummet to -10C.

The cold snap, just days before the official start of winter, will take hold of the country overnight tonight (29 November). Some areas expected to be colder than parts of Iceland and Scandinavia.

The Met Office has warned of widespread ice, particularly in Scotland with the Highlands expecting snow in some areas too.

In Iceland and the Finnish capital of Helsinki, the mercury is expected to remain comfortably above zero with overnight forecasts of around 5C.

Chief meteorologist at the Met Office, Steve Willington, said: "Across the UK people will be feeling some pretty raw conditions as we go towards the start of winter. Thursday will feel especially cold with a biting northerly wind."

With temperatures set to drop, Public Health England (PHE) has reminded people to think about their friends and neighbours, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.

Dr Thomas Waite, of PHE's Extreme Events team, said: "As the weather is going to get colder everywhere in the coming days this is a really good time to check on those who may be at-risk.

"People with diseases such as heart and lung conditions, older people and young children can feel the ill-effects of cold weather more than the rest of us."

Commuters could be affected by the weather, with ice and possible snow flurries causing delays to roads and rail networks.