Get set to shiver… it’s freezing February!
AS FEBRUARY begins, it may seem like spring is just around the corner – but brace yourself, because the big freeze is about to bite back.
Forecasters say it could be one of the coldest weeks of winter, with temperatures as low as -8C (18F), while snow and ice are set to cause havoc for commuters.
And the bad news gets worse – the cold snap could last all month as freezing winds come in from Scandinavia.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: ‘It’s widely going to be -4C (25F) to -6C (21F) in England and Wales this week, and we could see -8C (18F).
‘There’s always the possibility we could get colder if we get enough snowfall – that’s how we had the very low temperatures before – and clear, starry nights.’
The Met Office issued yellow warnings for snow and ice for much of Britain today – with the South East facing 2in of snow – as temperatures were set to hover around freezing. The coldest temperature so far this year in England has been - 7.9C ( 17.8F), recorded at Redesdale Camp, in Northumberland, on January 8.
Mr Dewhurst added: ‘There will be milder interludes but there is no sign of the mild, wet and windy weather returning.’
Tonight rain, sleet and snow showers are expected in East Anglia and London, as well as the North and north Wales, with the bad weather set to continue into tomorrow afternoon. Up to an inch of snow could fall on higher ground as temperatures plummet to -6C.
Meteorologist Craig Snell said: ‘It’s going to be a cold week, plenty of dry weather around, but many places will probably see some snow.
‘Probably one of our coldest weeks of this winter so far. Quite a lot of the UK will see some snow as we head through Tuesday.’
Tomorrow night is set to bring the coldest temperatures, with -8C in the Midlands and the North.