London weather: Met Office warn of ‘nasty’ conditions ahead as fresh ice warning sounded for most of the UK

The Met Office has sounded a fresh weather warning for most of the UK including London, with temperatures set to climb before plummeting again. The yellow weather warning will launch at 3am on Sunday (December 18) until 11am that day.

It comes after temperatures well below freezing wreaked havoc in the capital this week as snow fell over the city. Things are set to thaw out next week, but not before some “problematic” conditions on Sunday.

The Met Office warn that Sundays’ period of mixed rain and snow falling on frozen surfaces will lead to icy conditions, inflicting more travel disruption. It has urged residents to take extra care as injuries may occur due to falls on slippery surfaces including untreated pavements, cycle paths and roads.

Road, rail and air services could also be disrupted or delayed, so plan ahead if you’re looking to get out and about during the weekend before Christmas. It’s set to be a busy weekend in city centres as people flock to the shops to pick up last minute food and gifts.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: “How do you like your wintry weather - frosty, icy and snowy or do you prefer things to be milder with wet and windy conditions? Well, both are on the cards this weekend and as we transition from one to the other it will get pretty ugly with some nasty conditions in the UK, especially on Sunday.”

Mr Deakin said that temperatures would be much milder on Saturday, possibly reaching “dizzying heights of 4-5C°C”, before an area of low pressure approaches the UK and the ensuing weather weather “hits the cold air”, creating snow and ice.

He added: “We may see some freezing rain for a time, which should make the roads very slippery indeed. Yes, it’s turning midler, but we do have these potential problems throughout Sunday.”