Big freeze returns as temperatures plunge

London: Bitterly cold weather has returned to the UK and forecasters warn that conditions will worsen later in the week with a warning of heavy snow for parts of the southeast.

Last night temperatures again plunged below zero in some parts of the country with biting winds and snow flurries adding to the chill. There are fears that grit supplies nationwide have not been replenished since the cold snap in January, raising the prospect of further difficulties for motorists.

The Met Office warned there could be heavy snow in the south-east England later in the week with as much as 15cm on high ground. It issued an early warning for heavy and possibly drifting snow for east Sussex, Kent and Medway for Thursday and Friday. There will also be a risk of widespread ice on the roads.

The chilly weather is forecast to last into the weekend, but conditions are not expected to be as bad as last month's big freeze. John Hutchinson, forecaster with MeteoGroup, said snow showers in the east would be broken by sunny spells before turning heavier towards the end of the week.

He said: "Most of the sleet and snow will be in eastern areas, and Kent will see the worst of it."