Bitter end to 2020: Freezing fog will sweep UK tonight meaning Britons can expect more fun in the great snowy outdoors on first day of 2021 tomorrow - with sub-zero chill and frost to last into next week

Britain can expect wintry conditions to continue into the New Year, with freezing fog set to sweep the country tonight and further snow flurries expected tomorrow.

The final day of 2020 brought bitterly cold conditions for much of the UK and more snow - with a low of -7.5C (-18.5F) recorded in Topcliffe, near Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

Tobogganers were out in force today as parts of northern England and Scotland enjoyed a blanket of the white stuff - and outdoor lovers can expect more of the same tomorrow.

Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said: 'New Year's Eve will bear with it again the risk of rain, sleet and snow, another feature sliding down the country from northern Scotland.

'Particularly inland and over the hills we will see some snow.

'Many of us will see some brighter weather, with still a keen breeze keeping things very cold indeed, and again the risk of ice as we head into New Year's Day, with again a wintry mix coming and going, and a fairly widespread frost.'

An excited couple head out on their sledge this morning following heavy snowfall in Horwich, Greater Manchester

Houses are covered in snow at Horwich in Greater Manchester this morning as travel warnings remain in place today

A gritter with a plough drives down Chorley New Road in Horwich, Greater Manchester, this morning after further heavy snow

Swimmers take to the freezing North Sea at King Edward's Bay near Tynemouth on New Year's Eve this morning

Jack Austin does a backflip off a snowball on Knutsford Heath in Cheshire today after overnight temperatures plunged

A gritter travels along the A9 dual carriageway between Inverness and Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands this morning

Houses are covered in snow in Horwich, Greater Manchester, this morning following fresh flurries overnight

A woman walks her dog in the snow near the port town of Larne in Northern Ireland this afternoon

Huskies being walked in Whitworth in County Durham this morning as Britons make the most of the snow

A robin in the snow in the garden of wildlife photographer Kate MacRae in Lichfield, Staffordshire, this morning

Cottages surrounded by snow in Teesdale this afternoon following a series of flurries across the country this week

Two children pull a sledge through woods on Knutsford Heath in Cheshire today after overnight temperatures plunged

An aerial view of houses covered in snow this morning in Horwich, Greater Manchester, as weather warnings remain in place

A blackbird in the snow in Lichfield, Staffordshire, this morning as parts of Britain prepare for a white start to 2021

A dusting of snow and a light mist covers the Cheshire countryside in Knutsford this afternoon

People head out in the snow in Horwich, Greater Manchester, this morning as they make the most of the wintry conditions

Houses are covered in snow in Horwich, Greater Manchester, this morning after fresh flurries overnight in the area

In Cornwall today, the A30 eastbound between Bodmin and Kennards House was closed due to snow, the A38 at Dobwalls was blocked due to an accident and ice while there were stranded lorries in the Bolventor area.

North Wales Police advised motorists to avoid all non-essential journeys as officers dealt with several collisions on the A55 amid dangerous conditions caused by snow and ice.

Many areas in the North West of England woke up to thick mist and a blanketing of snow. Parts of Merseyside were already covered in snow, which fell in previous days but has yet to melt as temperatures stayed below freezing.

North West Motorway Police urged people to drive with care following a number of accidents, while Transport for Greater Manchester also warned people to expect delays and leave extra time for journeys if venturing out.

Meanwhile, the Police Service of Northern Ireland warned walkers to be prepared for the conditions after two groups had to be rescued from the Mourne Mountains in County Down yesterday.

The PSNI's Air Support Unit tweeted to confirm that one group was located on Ben Crom and led to safety by mountain rescue volunteers, while another group was winched to safety.

There is also still a flood risk for more than 100 areas of the country after further rain followed 106mph Storm Bella last weekend, with the Environment Agency imposing 31 flood warnings and 70 alerts across England.

For those watching any New Year fireworks tonight, most of the UK will have light cloud although there will be rain across Scotland which will sink into northern England overnight and reach Wales and the Midlands by dawn.

Temperatures were below freezing in most areas in the early hours of today and still sub-zero for some by 8am

Weather warnings are in place for much of Britain today , with temperatures this afternoon between 2C and 6C

A blue tit in the snow in Lichfield, Staffordshire, this morning following heavy snow in the region over the past few days

Snow on rooftops in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, this morning as the wintry weather continues for Britain

A gritter travels on the A9 between Inverness and Aviemore in the Highlands today where driving conditions were terrible

An aerial view of houses covered in snow in Horwich, Greater Manchester, this morning following flurries overnight

A wintry scene in Horwich, Greater Manchester, this morning following heavy snowfall overnight in the area

Snow on rooftops in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, this morning as wintry weather conditions grip the country

Two children drag a sledge through woods on Knutsford Heath in Cheshire this morning

Frost covers a grassy bank looking out over the Avon Gorge and Clifton suspension bridge during a cold start in Bristol today

Deer roam through a frost-covered Richmond Park in South West London today during a cold start to the day in the capital

Snow on rooftops in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is pictured this morning as the very cold weather continues

A gritter travels on the A9 dual carriageway between Inverness and Aviemore in the Highlands this morning

A cyclist rides through a frost-covered Richmond Park in South West London this morning

Swimmers take to the freezing North Sea at King Edward's Bay near Tynemouth on New Year's Eve this morning

Joggers make their way through a frost-covered Richmond Park in South West London this morning

Jockeys on their racehorses training on Newmarket gallops in Suffolk on a freezing and foggy start to New Year's Eve today

People admire the view looking out over the Avon Gorge and Clifton suspension bridge in Bristol this morning

Early morning walkers stand by a pond at a frost-covered Richmond Park in South West London this morning

Two women take to the freezing North Sea at King Edward's Bay near Tynemouth this morning as they go for a dip

And more snow is on the way next week, with the Met Office warning of 'hill snow but with a chance of snow falling to lower levels at times' along with a risk of frost, freezing fog and 'very cold overnight temperatures'.

The long-range forecast from the Met Office suggests 'colder than average' conditions will persist until at least January 26, with Scotland most at risk of continued snowfalls during early 2021.

This morning, temperatures fell to -7.5C (18.5F) at Topcliffe in North Yorkshire, a record for a morning in England in 2020, while they dipped to -6C (21F) in Edinburgh, -5C (23F) in Thetford, Norfolk and -4C (25F) in Bristol.

Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir told of a 'very cold start' to the last day of 2020, adding: 'New Year's Eve will bear with it again the risk of rain, sleet and snow, another feature sliding down the country from northern Scotland.'

She continued: 'Particularly inland and over the hills we will see some snow. Many of us will see some brighter weather, with still a keen breeze keeping things very cold indeed, and again the risk of ice as we head into New Year's Day, with again a wintry mix coming and going, and a fairly widespread frost.'

A Horse on the gallops in the snow at Sam Drinkwater's Granary Stables in Upper Strensham, Worcestershire, this morning

Frost covers a grassy bank looking out over the Avon Gorge and Clifton suspension bridge in Bristol this morning

Two children drag a sledge across Knutsford Heath in Cheshire today after overnight temperatures dropped below freezing

People walk their dogs through a frost-covered Richmond Park in South West London this morning

A swimmer runs along the sand as people take to the freezing North Sea at King Edward's Bay near Tynemouth this morning

Mist and frost hang around colourful houses in Hotwells during a cold start to the day in Bristol this morning

A foggy start to the day on the Newmarket gallops in Suffolk today with further sub-zero temperatures on the way

'Truly remarkable' 2020 is set to enter top ten for sunshine and rainfall

2020 has been hailed as a 'truly remarkable' weather year after featuring the sunniest spring and the wettest February on record.

The Met Office said the UK's 'year of extremes' was on course to be the third or fourth warmest year on record, and to be in the top 10 for both rainfall and sunshine. As well as a summer heatwave, 2020 also boasted an October day which smashed rainfall records.

Ahead of full-year figures due to be released on January 4, the Met Office said the data made it clear 'that the general trend of warming as a consequence of climate change is being seen, not just at a global level, but in our own national temperature records'.

In its round-up of the year, the Met Office said: 'The most noteworthy winter month was February, due to a rapid succession of named storms, rainfall totals were well above normal virtually everywhere, with many places getting more than three times their expected average.

'It was the wettest February on record (records back to 1862) with the UK recording 237% of its average rainfall. It was also the fifth wettest of any calendar month on record.'

Dr Mark McCarthy, head of the Met Office's National Climate Information Centre, said: 'We have seen a number of exceptionally wet winters in the last decade, and due to climate change, we expect UK winters to become wetter. Of the top 10 wettest winters, four have occurred since 2007 and seven since 1990 while there has been a 17 per cent increase in the total rainfall from extremely wet days. In just over a decade we have now seen the UK's wettest February (2020), April (2012), June (2012), November (2009) and December (2015), remarkably new national records in five out of 12 months.'

All four UK countries recorded their sunniest spring, as judged by Met Office records dating back to 1919, with only three summers (1976, 1989 and 1995) recording more hours of sun.

Dr McCarthy added: 'In climate statistics, 2019 will be remembered for the UK's hottest day, whereas 2020 will be associated with rainfall records. Saturday October 3, the day which followed Storm Alex, provisionally holds the record for the UK's wettest day on record, in data stretching back to 1891. 2020 also has the third wettest day with the rainfall associated with Storm Dennis in February.'

Met Office presenter Alex Deakin said: '2020 will be remembered for many, many things and the weather should be one of them. There are still a couple of days to go so we don't know exactly where 2020 will sit. But it is going to be another very warm year, very likely to be in the top five warmest years on record. It's also very likely to be in the top 10 for sunniest and wettest years, a truly remarkable year.'

Although the AA said regional restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 meant roads were quieter than normal, bitterly cold conditions continuing throughout today and into the new year will bring a continued risk of ice to drivers.

RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams said: 'We strongly urge drivers to exercise caution on New Year's Day with a high risk of both snow and ice on the roads.

'The message for those who have to drive is to adjust their speed according to the conditions and leave extra stopping distance so 2021 doesn't begin with an unwelcome bump and an insurance claim.

'Snow and ice are by far the toughest driving conditions, so if they can be avoided that's probably the best policy.'

Tonight will be the first time Scotland has seen temperatures below -9C (16F) at Hogmanay since 2009.

The conditions have sparked fears of travel chaos, including the risk of ice building up on the £1.35billion Queensferry Crossing, possibly forcing its closure.

Pensioners' groups are also calling on people to look out for elderly neighbours who may be struggling to heat their homes.

Speaking about the forecast for Scotland, Met Office meteorologist Ollie Claydon said: 'Overnight into Thursday morning we are expecting readings of -12C (10F). Hogmanay and New Year's Day could see -10C (14F) in the countryside, especially where snow is lying on the ground.

'Even towns and cities will drop below zero, with -4C (25F) expected in Glasgow as the clock strikes 12 on Hogmanay. But the mercury falls further on Saturday night, when -12C is expected in the countryside again.'

The last time similarly low New Year temperatures were seen was December 2009, when the mercury plunged to -18C (0F) at Braemar in Aberdeenshire.

In Inverness-shire yesterday, dedicated wild swimmer Nicky Goode had to break through the ice before taking a chilly dip in Loch Insh.

Meanwhile, a rare phenomenon known as 'ice pancakes' formed on Dunbeath Water near Latheronwheel, Caithness. The frozen discs tend to occur in very cold oceans and lakes and are frequently seen in the Baltic region.

As 2020 neared its end, the last full moon of the year shone brightly in clear skies. But despite the natural beauty of the season, there was a reminder of the dangers of winter.

Elderly people in Ardrossan, Ayrshire, were trapped in their homes without food because untreated pavements had become 'ice rinks' before volunteers from the Salvation Army stepped in to take vital supplies to pensioners.

Last night, Age Scotland asked people to watch out for the elderly during the cold spell.

The charity's head of policy, Adam Stachura, said: 'With strict restrictions in place in many areas, we're less likely to see older family, friends and neighbours in person but it's vital to keep in touch.

'Offering a hand with shopping or collecting prescriptions, or even just a phone call or doorstep chat where possible to check someone is OK can make all the difference. This sense of connection can also be a lifeline for those feeling isolated and lonely.

'With these icy conditions expec-ted to last a good few weeks, we can all play a part in looking out for older, more vulnerable members of our communities and making sure they keep warm and well this winter and beyond.'

Citizens Advice Scotland is also reporting soaring demand for energy advice across the country as temperatures plummet.

In the Highlands, meanwhile, drivers have been criticised for leaving carrots at the roadside to feed red deer. The animals are being attracted to graze close to the A82 at Kingshouse, Inverness-shire, presenting a danger to traffic – particularly at night.

Deer are pictured at Richmond Park in South West London today after overnight temperatures dropped below freezing

People ride horses through a frost-covered Richmond Park in South West London this morning

People ride horses in a frost-covered Richmond Park in South West London this morning

People walking through Richmond Park this morning after overnight temperatures dropped below freezing

A woman goes for a jog past roaming deer in a frost-covered Richmond Park in South West London this morning

Deer roaming in Richmond Park today during a cold start to the day in the capital after overnight temperatures plunged

Deer roam in a frost-covered Richmond Park in South West London this morning amid sub-zero temperatures

People feed birds at Richmond Park in South West London today on another very cold day for the capital

Heavy snow falls early this morning in Horwich, Greater Manchester, with much of the country still under weather warnings

A gritter drives down a road in Horwich, Greater Manchester, today after the Met Office warned of danger on the roads

A pedestrian walks along a snowy path this morning after heavy snow fell overnight in Horwich, Greater Manchester

Snow falls in the town of Horwich in Greater Manchester this morning as travel warnings remain in place across the area

A car drives through snowy conditions in Horwich, Greater Manchester, today with the area under a Met Office warning

Ice on car windscreens in West London this morning as temperatures plunged below zero in the capital overnight

Dawn breaks over a frozen lake in the village of Gresford near Wrexham in North Wales this morning

A beautiful sunrise just before 8am in the village of Gresford in North Wales this morning on another icy day for Britain

The moon above a frozen lake in Gresford, North Wales, today as dawn breaks with temperatures below zero in most of the UK

The sunrise just before 8am this morning over a frosty field in Gresford near Wrexham as the very cold weather continues

The pattern of a hard frost on a car windscreen this morning in Wrexham, North Wales, as sub-zero temperatures continue

The sun rises over South Shields lighthouse on the North East coast this morning on the last day of 2020

Sickening moment maskless 'Karen' COUGHS in the face of grocery store customer, then claims she doesn't have to wear a mask because she 'isn't sick'

A woman was captured on camera following a customer through a supermarket as she coughs on her after claiming she does not need a mask because she is not sick. Video of the incident, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on Twitter alone, allegedly took place in a Su per Saver in Lincoln, Nebraska according to Twitter user @davenewworld_2. In it, an unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of the customer recording her. Scroll down for video An unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of a woman recording her A woman was captured on camera following a customer as she coughs on her in a supermarket without a mask on claiming she does not need one because she is not sick @chaiteabugz #karen #covid #karens #karensgonewild #karensalert #masks we were just wearing a mask at the store. ¿ o

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