The Met Office issued an ice alert for areas of the Scottish Highlands, Aberdeen, Perth and Edinburgh and sections of northern England.

The warning is in place from 6pm on Sunday to 10am on Monday.

Ethan Douglas, operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "On Sunday night and Monday morning, there is the potential for some disruptive ice (given the preceding rain and cold night) and snow."

He said the cold conditions could create an ice risk on the roads, causing “potentially hazardous travelling conditions”.

"The snow risk will be constrained to Scottish hills, bringing difficult driving conditions there."

“The ice risk may be present more widely across the north of the UK, causing extended journey times and potentially hazardous travelling conditions.”

After a sunny start to Sunday, London was drenched by rain spoiling the weekend plans for many in the capital. The Met Office predicted a high of 11C in the afternoon.

The forecaster said heavy rain was expected on Monday night and into Tuesday morning.

The cold weather alerts were issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and The Humber.

They will run from 9pm on Sunday until 9am on Thursday.

The agency said the weather conditions could mean an increased use of healthcare services and a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.

Paul Coleman, consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA, said: "This is the latest cold health alert of the season, and we can expect more as we move further into winter."

“Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable.”

Mr Coleman added that people should try to heat the rooms they use the most, if possible and dress warmly during colder spells.

Frosty conditions are expected to persist in parts of the UK as the alerts come into force on Sunday evening.

A brighter and colder Sunday was expected in northern Scotland and Northern Ireland, with showers for some which could be wintry, bringing snow to the hills.

Cold conditions will continue on Monday, the Met Office said, with long sunny intervals for most.

Approaching cloud will dim the sunshine later in the day.

Meanwhile, those in the north east of Scotland should brace themselves for further wintry showers.