Sub-zero temperatures will return to the UK following a brief reprieve from the freezing weather, forecasters warned.

Sunny spells graced many parts of the UK on Sunday enabling snow to thaw. But the arctic temperatures returned with a vengeance overnight with the mercury plummeting to -15C in parts of Yorkshire.

Forecasters warned that sub-zero temperatures, more snow and patches of freezing fog would make the commute to work a distinctly chilly affair.

Temperatures are expected to be as low as -5C to -10C in many areas throughout the early part of the morning.

More snowfall is also expected in Scotland and northern England.

Paul Mott, forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association explained: "It will be a pretty cold commute to work for a lot of people today.

"The cold weather has really returned, by 1am the temperature in Topcliffe in North Yorkshire had fallen to -15C.

"There will be widespread snow in central and southern Scotland, this will spread to Cumbria and the North East throughout the day.

"Some areas can expect snowfalls of between five to ten centimetres.

"Further south there will be some patches of freezing fog, particularly in central England, areas such as Gloucester and the Cotswolds for example.

"And drivers should certainly take the freezing fog into account when planning a journey."

The highest maximum temperatures across the UK on Monday are expected to fluctuate between a chilly 0C and -2C. And there is no respite from the cold in sight.

Mr Mott added: "There are some very cold days coming up for the rest of the week, but it does look like the situation may ease towards the weekend."