Cold conditions have also been seen across mainland Europe, as an amber cold-health alert has been extended until the weekend for the whole of England.

Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place for parts of the UK, with the north of Scotland braced for further travel disruption. Further snow showers could cause more delays on roads and on public transport throughout Sunday and into Monday.

Other areas of the UK saw snow on Friday, and yellow warnings are now in place for parts of the UK, including much of Northern Ireland, until 3pm on Monday. Met Office chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: "Arctic air and brisk northerly winds are gripping the UK as we start the new year.

A strange wave of warm weather has left Britons sweltering in their winter coats and switching off the heating. As temperatures climb to 12°C (53.6°F) in London, baffled Brits have flocked to social media to question the strangely balmy December weather.