LONDON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 schools in Scotland and over 30 in England were closed on Tuesday in preparation for an Arctic cold front set to sweep across the United Kingdom (UK) this week.

       The UK's Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of England and Wales. The freezing weather is expected to continue until Thursday.

       "The UK is now in the grip of a cold plunge of Arctic air which has moved in from the north across the whole of the country," the national meteorological service said.

       National Highways issued a severe weather alert for snow affecting the North West on Tuesday, warning of "possible travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers."

       A few rail operators also urged travelers to "be careful as platforms and pathways may be slippery", and to pay close attention to the latest service information.

       An amber cold-health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently in place for the whole of England until midday Friday.

       "The temperatures we will see leading into the week ahead can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65, and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections," said Agostinho Sousa from UKHSA.

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