People have been warned to prepare for cold weather as ice and snow is set to hit the country.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice in parts of the UK over Friday night.

Snow is predicted to fall overnight, mainly on higher ground, with up to 5cm of snow possible in some areas over 300m.

The weather warning, which is in place from 5pm on Friday to 10am on Saturday, has been issued for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland and Wales as well as the north of England, Yorkshire and the West Midlands.

Weather warning November 23-24(PA graphics)

The forecaster said: “A band of rain, sleet and snow showers will move from the North West to South East across the yellow area through Friday, clearing during the early hours of Saturday, followed by further wintry showers.

“Icy patches are likely to form on untreated surfaces as temperatures fall.”

Those most at risk from the drop in temperature include older people, very young children and those with conditions like heart and lung disease.

“That’s why every cold season we urge people to look out for family, friends and neighbours who may be at risk.

Paul Gundersen, chief operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Colder air has now reached most parts of England, with temperatures expected to fall further by Saturday, when the cold will be accentuated by strengthening winds.”