The UK is bracing for a cold snap following an unseasonably warm start to the new year.
Temperatures are expected to plummet below zero tonight bringing the mild winter weather to an icy end.
The Met Office predicts that temperatures will fall to -1C in the north west on Monday night, while rain may turn to snow in areas further north.
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Warm winds from the mid-Atlantic meant temperatures hovered around the 16C mark in parts of the UK as 2021 came to an end.
The Met Office said Saturday saw the warmest New Year’s Day on record.
Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “Following an exceptionally mild spell, temperatures are set to drop for many in the north of England from late on Monday and into Tuesday.
“This drop in temperatures will spread further south later on Tuesday.
“This change is being brought on by a cold northerly flow, which brings with it the risk of some wintry showers in places in northern England, especially over high ground.
“Minimum temperatures over the next few days are expected to drop below freezing, heightening the risk of some ice formation.”
Met Office forecast for the north west
Monday (January 3)
A few showers to start, ahead of a band of rain edging down from the north through the day, reaching all but southernmost areas by the end of the afternoon. Still on the windy side for many. Maximum temperature 10 °C.
Tonight, rain continues to move south and with the wind swinging around to the north, introducing colder air, there is an increasing likelihood of rain turning to snow over the hills. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
Tuesday (January 4)
Any residual overnight wet weather soon clearing to the south. Thereafter much brighter, but with coastal showers. Feeling much colder than of late in a strong northerly wind. Maximum temperature 5 °C.
Wednesday (January 5) to Friday (January 7)
A widespread frost to start Wednesday, then mainly dry and bright. Rain and hill snow sweeping east on Thursday. Cold and windy on Friday with blustery showers, wintry at times.
Long range forecast
Unsettled conditions are set to dominate between January 7 and January 16, with sunshine and showers, possibly falling as hail or snow away from coasts initially. Windy for all, the strongest in the west, with gales or locally severe gales, and lighter winds expected elsewhere. Feeling rather cold at the start of the period. Through the later part of this period, a continuation of the rather changeable regime is expected with spells of wet and windy weather, however these are interspersed by drier, brighter periods. Likely to be wettest in the west and northwest, with the driest conditions in the east and southeast. Overall, temperatures are expected to be near to average, although some temporary colder periods are also likely.
