Up to a foot of snow is likely in parts with the deluge likely to secure February as the snowiest month since the 2010 big freeze.

Government forecasters have issued severe weather warnings for snow for much of the country from tomorrow (Sunday) evening and through Monday.

The Met Office yesterday said it is possible the current alert will be ramped up to a level-2 amber warning over the weekend.

It has extended a level-2 cold weather health alert until Tuesday warning extreme cold may pose a risk to the elderly and vulnerable.

Hundreds of gritters are on standby to go out “in force” as the full thrust of the Arctic blast takes hold tomorrow night.

The Met Office warned a band of rain due to sweep across Britain will gradually turn to snow with up to eight inches possible in parts.

Forecaster Sarah Holland said: “It is going to be very unsettled on Sunday and even if you don’t get snow you will see heavy rain.

“On Sunday night temperatures are due to drop below zero and as well as snow it is going to be very icy.

“There is the risk of disruption on Monday morning and people should keep up to date with forecasts and travel updates.”

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said tomorrow could bring the “main snow event of the year”.

He said: “It is possible Sunday could bring some of the heaviest snowfall of the year.

“The worst hit is going to be the North and the East with significant accumulations in parts – up to eight inches is entirely possible.

“We could be looking at the main snow event of the year with 80mph Arctic winds whipping up blizzards and leading to treacherous travel conditions.”

Worst hit by the deluge will be a vast swathe of the UK from the Midlands stretching northwards towards Scotland.

However plunging temperatures across the entire country will bring the possibility of heavy snow with significant accumulations even on low ground.

The Local Government Association last night urged people to keep an eye on elderly and vulnerable friends and neighbours.

Chairman Peter Box said extra council staff are on standby to clear streets and keep traffic moving.

He said: “Gritting teams will be out in force where snow and freezing temperatures have been forecast to try and ensure main roads remain passable.

“Extra council staff will also be drafted in if needed to help clear areas around shops, schools and sheltered accommodation, and check on elderly or vulnerable people and make sure they have what they need.

“We’d encourage anyone with elderly or vulnerable neighbours to check in on them over the weekend to make sure they’re okay and not suffering in silence.”

Former BBC forecaster Michael Fish warned a “major snow event” could be gearing up to batter the UK.

He said: “We’re going to have some very wintry weather.

“There could be a major snow event late Saturday, Sunday and into Monday with some considerable disruption.

“The message certainly is keep tuned to the forecasts and listen to the warnings.

“On Sunday [there will be] some heavy falls of snow in places, it is going to be particularly cold and feeling raw too in those increasing winds.”

The Highways Agency said motorists should be prepared for “difficult conditions” and allow extra time for journeys.

Steve Crosthwaite, head of the National Traffic Operations Centre, said: “We would advise road users to stay alert to the possibility of severe weather and to check the latest forecast before their journey.

“Anyone setting off on Saturday for a weekend away perhaps should be prepared for more difficult conditions on the way home and commuters would be well-advised to check Sunday evening and be prepared to allow extra time for their journey to work on Monday morning.

“Our 500-strong fleet of snowploughs and gritters, plus our traffic officer patrols, will be doing everything they can to keep traffic moving.”