Parts of Britain were hit by heavy snow today, creating hazardous driving conditions on the roads.

Worst affected were Scotland and northern England, while northern Ireland and Wales also saw snowfall.

MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said about 10cm of snow was expected to fall in higher areas of northern England and Scotland.

Temperatures were set to rise slightly today, with rain and wind forecast for much of Britain.

Last night’s big freeze was caused by a weather system of precipitation moving in from the west and turning to snow as it met the cold air, according to MeteoGroup.

Forecaster Rachel Vince said: “As this rain moves in it is bringing in some milder air. In most places it will have turned to rain during the morning.

”Only the hills of northern England and eastern parts of Scotland will see much snow lying on the ground later today. Elsewhere, rain will have washed the snow away.”

After temperatures fell to well below freezing, most places will have a “slightly less cold day” today, she said.

”Once the rain clears away eastwards it’s going to be a windy mix of sunshine and showers.

”We are expecting temperatures to get up to 10C in parts of southern England. In the Midlands it could be 8-9C and in Scotland and northern England 6 or 7C is possible.”

Forecasters warned of difficult conditions in today’s rush hour in northern England and Scotland, with snow causing slippery roads and poor visibility.

Over the next week or so, temperatures are forecast to be about average for December (4-7C in the daytime) with some unsettled showery weather before a drier weekend.