The UK is set for an icy start to the year, with new weather maps suggesting up to 2 inches of snow could fall across major cities starting as early as 6am on January 5

Amber warnings for heavy snow showers in parts of Scotland have been issued by the Met Office. They are in place from midday on Friday to midday on Saturday.

The Met Office has issued a “risk to life” weather warning as snow hits the UK, with blizzards set to hit some areas. Weather alerts in parts of Scotland have been upgraded from yellow to amber by the forecaster, while yellow warnings are in place elsewhere as people face a wintry start to the new year.

Flood alerts have been issued as Britain braces for two storms to hit this week bringing heavy rain, gale force winds and a chance of snow. Weather officials have put in place 11 flood alerts which could affect residents in several regions across the country.

Another “severe” weather warning for “persistent, heavy” snow has been issued for parts of the UK after temperatures plunged to a new record low. The amber warning covers swathes of Wales and the West Midlands, and will remain in place between 12pm today and 9am on Friday.

The freezing weather gripping the UK means some people could qualify for a cold weather payment from the government to help pay for heating bills.

The Met Office has put yellow weather warnings in place for most parts of the UK today. Almost all of the country, except for the North East and Scotland has a warning in place for strong winds – that are forecast to start about noon until the same time on Monday.

The UK is set for a brutal Arctic blast with a week of temperatures which could drop as low as -14C while more than 40cm of snow could fall in parts of the country