A freak pressure shift in the upper atmosphere will thrust a surge of Arctic air across the US triggering a spate of warnings for Polar gales and blankets of snow. As the east coast braces for Hurricane Rafael,

Snow and ice warnings have been issued by the Met Office for late Sunday through to Tuesday. Northern areas and higher ground will be most at risk for potentially disruptive snow. Temperatures will be below the November average by Sunday with frosts expected through the coming week.

The UK has been warned to brace for snow, ice and travel disruption this week as an Arctic blast sweeps through the country.

Travel warnings have been issued as the UK prepares for snow, ice and plunging temperatures. National Rail said cold weather over the next few days could affect trains across the country and urged anyone planning to travel to check their journey before heading off.