February made me shiver...

UK & Ireland set for brutal sub-zero beast from east

SNOW and sub-zero temperatures are on the way this week as the UK and Ireland braces for yet another cold snap.

The mercury is set to plummet to as low as -4C over the coming days with “severe frost and ice” set to create some dangerous conditions.

Eastern regions will bear the brunt of the snow, with accumulations expected from tonight until at least Thursday.

And today, temperatures will struggle to hit even 4C as the first spells of sleet hit.

The Met Office have issued a yellow alert for snow and ice for Northern Ireland which comes in to force today at 5pm and remains in place until 11am tomorrow.

The forecasters said we can expect: “Snow showers and icy stretches over parts of Northern Ireland leading to some travel disruption.”

And the outlook for the rest of the week states: “Bitterly cold easterly winds with a lot of dry weather and sunshine. There will be a few light snow showers, mainly in the east.”

In the Republic Met Eireann issued a weather advisory for the entire island of Ireland that is in effect until 6pm on Wednesday.

A spokesman said: “Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be very cold with sharp or severe frosts and icy patches at night. Hazardous conditions on roads and paths.

“Monday will be very cold with bright or sunny spells. There will be scattered wintry showers of rain, sleet or snow, mostly in the eastern half of the country. Many areas will be dry. Highest temperatures of just 1C to 4C with moderate to fresh easterly winds.

“Showers of sleet and snow in the east will become more frequent and push further inland overnight.

“It will be very cold with clear spells and lowest temperatures of -3C to 0C with a widespread sharp frost and icy patches under clearing skies.

“Tuesday night will be very cold with lowest temperatures of -4C to 0C with severe frost and ice causing hazardous conditions.

“Wednesday will continue very cold with daytime temperatures only reaching 2C or 3C.”