More snow on the way, UK warned

But questions were asked about whether much of this week's disruption to schools and businesses could have been avoided.

London ground to a near halt on Monday when buses were cancelled and train and Tube services were severely disrupted after thick snow blanketed the capital.

An estimated one in five workers took the day off while more than two million children are believed to have enjoyed a second day off school on Tuesday as up to 8,000 schools closed across the UK.

Parents described decisions to close schools due to the snow as "ridiculous" and said it set a bad example to children.

Margaret Morrissey, of the Parents Outloud campaign group, said: "We are giving children the message that when things get difficult you should just stay at home and have fun.

"Then, when they keep taking sick days from work when they grow up we wonder why."

She said the continuing closures would be extremely difficult for parents who would have to balance work with childcare.

The lowest recorded temperature on Tuesday was in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, where it fell to minus 10.1C (13.8F) overnight.

Forecasters said there is likely to be further disruption this week with another wave of snow expected to sweep from south to north.