Britain is preparing for a sustained spell of wintry weather with snow and ice warnings remaining in force through the weekend as Arctic air grips large swathes of the country.

The Met Office has issued a series of amber and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice extending from Saturday into Sunday and beyond, with forecasts predicting accumulations of up to thirty centimetres in some areas and widespread icy conditions on roads and pavements.

Central and northern England, Wales and parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland are among the regions affected by the most severe alerts, reflecting the breadth of the cold snap and the risk of travel disruption across road, rail and air networks.

Temperatures are expected to stay well below average, with overnight frosts and daytime highs struggling to rise above freezing in many areas, increasing the likelihood of hazardous surfaces and challenging driving conditions.

The UK Health Security Agency has also highlighted the impacts of prolonged low temperatures, particularly on vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, with amber cold health alerts issued in some regions as the extreme cold continues to stress health and social care services.

Forecasters have warned that rural communities could face prolonged isolation if heavy snowfall leads to blocked roads, and utility disruptions cannot be ruled out as wintry showers and strong winds persist.

The unsettled conditions are forecast to remain into next week, with further snow showers and ice risks possible as the Arctic air mass continues to influence the national weather pattern, underscoring a period of sustained cold and hazardous winter weather for much of the United Kingdom.