The south of Scotland has been hit by heavy snow in recent days
Three climbers have died after three large avalanches on Scottish mountains, while heavy snow forecast for parts of Wales is expected to cause disruption.
Rescuers found the bodies of two climbers on Ben Nevis, while a third man, who was rescued from Liatach Ridge, Torridon, died in hospital.
Forecasters have issued a severe weather warning for heavy snow in parts of Wales and Scotland.
The Midlands, north-west England and Yorkshire and Humber could be affected.
Snow covering is expected to amount to 15cm (6in) over higher levels in Scotland.
Severe weather warnings are also in place for icy roads in Central Tayside and Fife, south-west Scotland, Lothian and Borders, Grampian, Strathclyde, Orkney & Shetland and the Highlands and Western Isles (Eilean Siar).
The warning extends to Northern Ireland, north-west England and Yorkshire and Humber.
'Treacherous roads'
About 20cm (8in) fell on higher ground in central Wales on Tuesday, and more is expected.
Wales has been hit again by snow
BBC forecaster Chris Fawkes said a band of rain moved northwards from the south coast of Wales during Wednesday and would turn to snow as it reached high ground.
He said as much as 5cm (2in) of snow could be expected.
However, the Midlands will see mostly rain or drizzle, he added.
The Met Office has issued a heavy rain warning for south-west England and London and south-east England.
In south-east Scotland, motorists who were stranded on Wednesday morning after heavy snow fell on the A701 to the north of Moffat had to be released.
Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary said motorists should only travel if absolutely necessary.
Rescuers found the bodies of two of the climbers in Number Three Gully on the north face of Ben Nevis following a large snow slide.
It later emerged that a 54-year-old man who had been rescued from Liatach Ridge, Torridon, had also died after being airlifted to hospital.
The incidents came after a warning from Sportscotland Avalanche Information Service about hazardous conditions on the hills.
New Year's Eve is expected to be cold and dry for most revellers, except parts of Scotland and north-east England where snow showers have been predicted.
The Highways Agency is warning drivers throughout the UK to take care in the next few days, as many roads are likely to be icy.
Earlier, three men died after their car hit a barrier and overturned on the M62, near junction 23 for Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, police have said.
The men, all from the Preston area, were killed when the Mitsubishi saloon came off the westbound carriageway on Tuesday night, but although driving conditions were difficult due to ice and snow, it is not yet known exactly how the accident happened.
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