Temperatures could plummet to -10C during a freezing start to February, forecasters have warned.
Showers could turn to sleet and snow in some areas and yellow ice warnings have been issued for much of the country for the next two days.
“It looks like February is going to start off on a cold note,” Met Office spokesman Alex Burkill said. “Tonight is going to be chilly, with temperatures around freezing, -3C or -4C.”
The mercury is expected to drop to around -6C on Thursday evening, and -8C on Friday, he said.
Some roads and railways are likely to be affected by snow and the Met Office warned people to expect "longer journey times by road, bus and train services."
It added that "some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces are also possible."
However, the coldest temperatures are forecast for Sunday night, where temperatures of -10C are possible in some areas, Mr Burkill added.
The weather expert said he expected “plenty” of showers on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday, with the downpour turning to sleet and snow in the coldest parts of the country.
Friday was expected to start as “a fine day”, but rain and snow would come later on and would continue throughout Saturday, he said.
But there is some good news. “Sunday the better day of the weekend and most places will be fine and dry,” Mr Burkill said.
Later in the month however, temperatures are expected to pick up, according to forecasts.
