SWIMMERS defied an Arctic blast which carpeted the country in snow to take an early-morning dip in the sea yesterday.
They emerged after the coldest March night since 2010 to take the plunge for International Women’s Day.
The swimmers, spotted in Edinburgh and Tynemouth, refused to be deterred by the bone-chilling temperatures which dipped to -15C in the Highlands overnight.
Elsewhere, flights were cancelled, train services disrupted, hundreds of schools shut and many roads became treacherous.
It was the start of days of freezing weather as cold air swept in from the Arctic.
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Up to 3in of snow fell across much of England, while ski resorts in Scotland got a late-season boost as 14in was recorded.
More snow was due today, with strong winds likely to whip up blizzards.
A Met Office amber alert was in place for today and tomorrow, warning that villages may be cut off and power cuts are likely.
Yesterday dozens of flights at Heathrow, Gatwick and London’s City Airport were cancelled or delayed.
Another 30 or so flights were disrupted as Bristol Airport closed so the runway could be cleared.
National Highways issued a severe weather alert advising drivers in some areas to travel only if essential.
Truckers were told to avoid hilly roads, including part of the M40 in Buckinghamshire.
Meanwhile, relatives were asked to check on the elderly and vulnerable who were advised to heat their homes to at least 18C.
