National Grid is igniting two coal-fired power plants to provide electricity for the first time this winter

The National Grid has ordered two of the UK’s four coal-fired emergency generators to produce electricity for the first time – as an Arctic blast of snow and ice brings a -15C freeze to the UK.

Tonight could be Britain’s coldest night of the year so far, with temperatures expected to drop to -10C in rural areas of the north and -3C or -4C in the south. Highland areas of Scotland could also drop to -15C.

National Grid announced earlier today that four out of five coal-fired power plants held on standby overnight would be warmed up “for possible use” today as a precaution.

But two coal-fired power stations in West Burton, Lincolnshire, started feeding into the grid this afternoon.

The units are expected to provide the minimum amount of power required, but a spokesman for National Grid says the sites are ready to provide additional power if needed.

School children make the most of the snow and go tobogganing on North Tyneside outside school in Tynemouth this morning

Two coal-fired power stations (pictured) in West Burton, Lincolnshire started feeding into the grid this afternoon

The coal-fired power plants are covered by “winter contingency contracts” negotiated with the government after fears of a power shortage emerged this winter.

National Grid previously tweeted: “ESO has issued an additional notification that on Tuesday 7th April we will

“This notification is not a confirmation that the unit will be used on Tuesday, but that it is available to ESO if needed.

“ESO as a prudent system operator developed these tools for additional contingencies to keep the network running as usual. This does not mean that the power supply is at risk.’

It comes as the Met Office has warned that up to 15 inches of snow could hit Britain this week as snowstorms are forecast in northern areas on Thursday and Friday, with red and amber weather warnings feared in some areas.

The forecaster said “very cold Arctic air” is moving south today, with regions south of the M4 said to be “most at risk of disruption” this week. Most of Wednesday’s snow is expected to hit southern areas.

Heavy snowfall today in Aberdeen where a number of schools have had to close due to winter conditions

People walk their dogs through the snow next to the beach huts at Blyth in Northumberland this morning

Matthew Lehnert, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “Snow, ice and low temperatures are the main themes of this week’s forecast, with the UK under an arctic sea air mass.

“Snow could cause some travel disruptions, with the possibility that some rural communities in the north could be cut off.”