UK weather maps predict that parts of the UK will be hit by a new wave of snow while other areas of the country face a downpour of rain.

That’s why gardeners are being urged to stay alert and make some preparations ahead of the severe weather conditions.

Lee Heitzman, UK and Ireland market manager at Trex, the world’s number one decking company, has shared some tips on how to protect your garden and its wildlife during this time.

To shield vulnerable plants from the cold, move potted ones to a more sheltered spot and cover frost-sensitive varieties with horticultural fleece or even an old bedsheet. Adding a layer of mulch around plant bases will help protect their roots from freezing temperatures.

If heavy snow is forecast, gently shake it off trees and plants, which can prevent branches from breaking under the weight of the snow.

Hedgehogs, badgers, and birds also dislike storms and can get scared and stranded, so if you can, take steps to keep them comfortable.

Make sure your bird baths are free of ice, and keep bird feeders well-stocked with seeds to ensure they have food and water during harsh weather.

If you have any bird boxes stored away, hang them out now to give them some much-needed shelter.

Wildlife experts from Hillier have also suggested for bird feeders to be stocked with higher-fat foods, such as suet, to help keep the birds feeling fuller for longer.

On particularly frosty days, it's important to break the ice on bird baths and water bowls, and to refresh the water daily, ensuring it remains clean and fresh.

Fat balls are another excellent way to ensure birds receive all they need to survive and flourish. These balls, available in most pet stores in either ball or bar form, contain protein and carbohydrates. Make sure to remove the plastic netting to prevent beaks getting trapped.

According to WXCHARTS maps, aided by Metdesk data, a number of UK cities will be hit by snow in coming days.

The cities set to be hit with snow are: Belfast, Carlisle, Lancaster, and Bradford, while many more towns in the Lanchashire and West Yorkshire area are also at risk.

Across the UK, a large number of cities will also be hit by a wall of rain stretching from the southeast of England all the way to the northern tip of Northern Ireland.

The cities affected by this rain, expected to fall at midday on January 29, are: London, Canterbury, Brighton, Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge, Bedford, Peterborough, Leicester, Coventry, Nottingham, Lincoln, Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, Lancaster, Carlisle, and Belfast.

Red and amber weather warnings had been in place in Northern Ireland and Scotland this week, and while many of the warnings have been lifted, the Met Office still has four yellow weather warnings in place.

One is for wind in Scotland, while another is for snow and ice in southern and eastern parts of Scotland. In England, an area stretching from Plymouth to Nottingham is under yellow warnings for ice.