Weather – latest: Amber snow warnings for much of UK with up to 40cm forecast as temperatures fall to -7.4C

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National Rail is advising people to check their “whole journey” before setting off over the coming days as National Highways “strongly” advised people that travel is “likely to be extended or even disrupted”.The government agency tasked with operating England’s motorways says snowfall over the weekend will, in some places, turn into rain and potentially lead to ice in some areas. Regions of high ground – such as the Cotswolds and the Peak District are at more risk of this, it adds. National Highways says road users should plan ahead and check the Met Office weather updates, and for traffic information from Traffic England before setting off or delay journeys. Also likely are more delays and cancellations to bus, rail and air travel. Northern and ScotRail services are currently affected, while bus replacement services are running between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said on Friday it is “a weekend to layer up and put the heating on” due to the cold conditions.

“We are heading into a cold snap this weekend and I know there are lots of concerns, not just amongst charity leaders, but also among NHS and social care leaders as well, about the particular risks and vulnerabilities this weekend as temperatures drop, both in terms of risk of accident and injury, but also risk from the cold itself,” he told BBC Breakfast.

“This is a weekend to wrap up and keep warm, to take sensible precautions about going out and about.”

Some football games have already been called off this weekend, including Cheltenham’s clash with League Two leaders Walsall which was due to take place on Saturday, Halifax’s National League home game against Fylde which was also set for Saturday, and Friday night’s Scottish Championship game between Airdrie and leaders Falkirk.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s race meeting at Newcastle has been abandoned because the course is frozen.

Large parts of the country will face disruption from heavy snow and freezing rain over the weekend after forecasters issued two amber weather warnings.

Stranded vehicles on the roads, delayed or cancelled rail and air travel and power cuts are all likely as the UK grapples with a week-long spell of wintry conditions, the Met Office said.

There is also a “good chance” that rural communities could be cut off due to the conditions, with up to 30cm of snowfall expected locally.

“There is a risk of freezing rain across parts of the Midlands and northern England, but especially Wales, adding to the risk of ice and leading to some treacherous conditions in places,” Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said.

Temperatures of -10C could be seen in parts of rural Scotland on Friday night, according to new Met Office forecasts.

The coldest temperature recorded in January last year was -14C, in Dalwhinnie in the Highlands.

Milder air will briefly cover some southern areas during the weekend before a new northerly flow allows colder conditions to return across the UK next week, the Met Office said.

Deputy chief forecaster Dan Holley said temperatures would remain below average with some areas struggling to get above freezing for several days.

Further weather warnings could be issued for the start of next week.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cold weather health alerts for all of England remain in place ahead of a week of low temperatures.

Amber alerts were issued on Thursday and will run until January 8, meaning a rise in deaths is likely, the agency said.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.

“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”

With two yellow weather warnings in force across swathes of Scotland and England on Friday, and snow falling widely north of the border as temperatures plummeted well below freezing overnight, three hillwalkers were rescued overnight in the Cairngorms.

More than 20 mountain rescuers and a Coastguard helicopter were scrambled to aid with a nine-hour rescue operation after three walkers made a call for help at around 9:45pm near the summit of the Lairig Ghru mountain pass, which reaches a height of 835m above sea level.

All have since been reported as safe.

The RSPCA has warned householders that antifreeze and salt can be poisonous to pets – as snow and freezing temperatures are forecast to sweep the UK this weekend.

The charity asks drivers to check their car regularly to ensure it is not leaking water coolant; keep antifreeze in labelled, robust, sealed containers, away from pets; clean up even small spills immediately and ensure animals cannot access the area until it’s clean.

“Pets die every year from accidental poisonings from antifreeze spills and leaks, as well as from leaking water coolant from cars, but most of these deaths are avoidable,” the RSPCA says.

Dogs that have walked in areas gritted with rock salt should have their paws thoroughly washed afterwards or it can act as an irritant or be ingested if the animal licks its paws.

Drivers are also asked to tap their car bonnet and check around the wheels and on top of the tyres before starting up, because cats may shelter there for warmth.

Our reporter Jane Dalton has more details: