Temperatures in the West Midlands are set to plunge below freezing tonight as the first cold snap of winter brings frost and ice.

Gritting lorries were on standby today as forecasters warned it could be as cold as -4C (23F) overnight in some parts.

Northern England and Scotland will be worst hit and also facing the prospect of snow as temperatures across the country plummet over the next two days.

Express & Star weatherman John Warner said today the weather would remain unsettled going into the first week of December.

“Temperatures could get as low as -4C in the region overnight,” he continued. “There will be frost on the ground in the morning and ice patches on the roads, but I don’t think we will get any snow.”

Tomorrow is also expected to be chilly, with temperatures not reaching any higher than 5C (41F).

“There will be some rain showers later in the day which will add to the misery,” added Mr Warner.