Snow in the Hope Valley today

Shropshire and Mid Wales were today bracing themselves for heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures as the cold snap returned. The Met Office issued a weather warning for the regions.

It said there was a risk of widespread ice forming on untreated roads and pavements.

• Forecast – click here

Forecasters said Shropshire and Powys could be hit by some heavy snow this afternoon and warned even more could fall tomorrow.

The office said between five and 15 centimetres could fall in some places tomorrow.

The warning came as the county woke up to thick fog and ice this morning after temperatures dropped to -3C in some places, the office said.

A spokesman for the office said: “There is a risk of widespread ice forming on untreated roads and pavements in areas affected by showers early this afternoon and this evening.

“Today will be cold and wintry across the country with rain or snow in places.

“It will be cold and mainly cloudy across the south, west and central England and Wales with rain or sleet turning into snow across Mid Wales and the West Midlands.

“Tonight will see sleet or snow moving from Mid Wales and the West Midlands into northern England.”

The outlook for tomorrow is cold with heavy showers at times with the likelihood of more sleet or snow in places.

The weekend looks to continue the cold trend, with further light snow showers predicted and temperatures dropping to as low as -4C on Sunday.

The Highways Agency has also warned motorists to take “extreme” care and allow extra time to complete journeys in affected areas.