Snow and ice could cause disruption across parts of the UK next week amid the first cold spell of the season as gas prices are set to rise again.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for parts of northern England and southern Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, with up to 20cm (around 8in) of snow possible on higher ground.
There is a small chance of up to 10cm (4in) of snow settling at lower levels, which could prove disruptive, forecasters said.
The warning covers much of southern Scotland and north-east England, parts of Yorkshire, and parts of the north-west of England, including Lancashire and Cumbria, and is in force from 10am on Monday until 10am on Tuesday.
A separate warning for snow and ice is in place in northern Scotland from 4pm on Sunday until 11am on Monday.
It comes as gas and energy prices are expected to stay higher due to continued geopolitical tension and international competition for supplies.
Europe’s gas market rose by as much as 5% on Thursday to its highest price in a year amid fears of a halt in supplies from Russia and an increase in demand from Asia following recent summer heatwaves.
Following Russias invasion of Ukraine, the UK has become more dependent on imports of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) contributing to more volatile wholesale gas prices.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for parts of northern England and southern Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, with up to 20cm (around 8in) of snow possible on higher ground (stock image)
Punters on the River Cam in Cambridge wrapped up warm and some under blankets on a cold Saturday morning as the freezing weather arrives with snow forecast for next week
Latest figures from Ofgem, the energy regulator, show energy arrears in the UK now stand at a record £3.7 billion.
The energy regulator will set the price cap next week which determines energy bills for most households for the first three months of next year.
Predictions from energy provider EDF suggest the next price cap is likely to rise projecting an a 1% rise to £1,736 in the New Year representing a £19 increase in annual bills compared to the current cap.
The average household energy bill increased by £149 a year from October 1 when the industry regulator raised its price cap to £1,717 for a typical dual fuel household in England, Scotland and Wales.
As the cold weather starts to hit, a recent survey revealed some 6.7 million people plan to cut back on showers and baths to afford rising energy costs over winter, a survey suggests.
The poll for National Debtline found 45% of people are heading into the winter period worried about their finances, with one in four reporting this is having a negative effect on their health and one in five (22%) saying they are regularly losing sleep over money concerns.
These worries will only continue as the UK braces itself for snow and ice as Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks predicts a notable early winter cold spell will arrive across the north from Sunday and will likely reach all parts of the UK by midweek.
She said: Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks predicts a notable early winter cold spell (stock image)
Ofgem, the energy regulator will set the price cap next week which determines energy bills for most households for the first three months of next year
This introduces the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard.
As the cold air spreads south, wintry weather is possible more widely, and a snow and ice warning has already been issued for parts of Scotland and northern England for early next week.
She added: Updates to the warnings for wintry hazards are likely, so its important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.
The cold front comes after weeks of mild, above-average temperatures and is likely to reach all parts of the UK by the middle of next week.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: Its going to get colder over the coming days - its still pretty mild in the south but there is a cold front that will be sinking south across northern parts of the UK.
Theres going to be some wintriness in the hills, for example, tonight and into tomorrow.
Thats all at quite high levels - Scottish mountains, Lake District maybe. Then we get into our warning period for snow and ice.
The weather could cause issues on the roads and railways, with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.
The Met Office has given three possible snow scenarios for next Monday and Tuesday
The Met Office has also warned of the possibility of icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths (stock image)
The Met Office has also warned of the possibility of icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
Mr Madge said the cold spell would still be largely sunny, with clear sunny spells.
Technically and meteorologically, we are not in winter yet, he added. Its still late autumn as for meteorologists winter begins in December - but this is the first really cold spell of the season so far.
Forecasters say the change in the weather is a result of low pressure moving in.
The AA advised night-time and early-morning drivers to keep their wits about them as fog becomes likely in some parts of the UK, and to check their vehicles.
Chris Wood, AA patrol of the year, said: During late autumn, as well as checking all your lights and tyres (including the spare), its very important to maintain clear vision.
Top up the windscreen wash with a good quality, purpose-made additive to reduce the chance of freezing.
While youre at it, run your finger down the wiper blades to check for nicks and tears, as they tend to last for two years at the most.
Also give the windscreen a thorough clean, inside and out, as a layer of grime quickly builds up and youd be surprised what a difference it makes at reducing dazzle.
RAC Breakdown also warned drivers to look out for the effects of a cold spell on car batteries (stock image)
RAC Breakdown also warned drivers to look out for the effects of a cold spell on car batteries.
RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: Frost, ice and snow all put more strain on car batteries so if a vehicle struggles to start, its either a sign that the battery needs charging or that its about to fail altogether and needs replacing.
We strongly suggest drivers get their battery checked by a mobile mechanic or garage as soon as possible.
Taking your car for a 30-minute drive before you need it and switching all electrics off when you finish your journey are effective ways to reduce the chances of an unwanted flat start.
In freezing conditions, its also well worth packing a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy boots and a mobile power bank for all eventualities.