THE Met Office has issued weather warnings for ice and snow as temperatures are set to plunge in Helensburgh and across the UK.

The yellow 'be aware' warning for ice comes into force at 10pm on Wednesday (January 16) and lasts until 11am on Thursday.

The warning was issued after the forecaster predicted a significant drop in temperatures across the country.

The Met Office warning predicts "icy patches developing with wintry showers also affecting some areas", and says people should expect some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces and should look out for some ice on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

As previously reported by the Advertiser, temperatures are expected to fall by several degrees on Wednesday evening and to remain around freezing point throughout Thursday, Friday and into the weekend.

A yellow warning for icy conditions is in place across the southern half of the UK, extending as far north as central Scotland, while a separate warning for both ice and snow has been issued covering the Highlands and Islands, Grampian, Orkney and Shetland.

There is also the possibility of snow showers in the Helensburgh area on Friday morning.