THE UK is heading into a big freeze that could last as long as a month, according to reports today.
Warnings of severe weather have been issued for the Midlands, Wales, northern England and the south-west.
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A light dusting of snow covers fields in the Teesdale area, east side of the Pennines, as temperatures across the UK are set to plummet to as low as -10C
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Belted Galloway cows feed on Birdlip Hill, Gloucestershire, as temperatures across the UK plunge
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Race horses walk around on Middleham Moor today as frost, mist and snow shroud the Pennine hilltops
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A Belted Galloway cow feeds on snow-covered Birdlip Hill, Gloucestershire
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A car travels past snow-covered fields in the Teesdale area, east side of the Pennines
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A car travels past snow-covered fields in the Teesdale area, east side of the Pennines
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An Orthodox Christian cathedral in the winter landscape in Kiev, Ukraine
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A lone walker on the Pennine hilltops in Coverdale, as temperatures across the UK are set to plummet to as low as -10C this week
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Race horses walk around on Middleham Moor today as frost, mist and snow shroud the Pennine hilltops
A Met Office spokeman said: "It seems like we are edging toward a scenario where lower temperatures last for the next four weeks. It is going to be a contrast to the milder weather we have had this winter. Widespread frosts and snow could affect large areas."
He said the wintry onslaught was a result of a cold air mass moving across from Siberia.
Ice, sleet and snow have already been hitting parts of the UK and leading to warnings to take extra care when travelling.
Scattered snow showers and freezing temperatures could cause icy conditions on roads in parts of the UK, forecasters have warned.
This Weather Widget is provided by the Met Office |
The Met Office has upgraded its cold weather alert to Level 3, stating that there was a 100% probability of "severe" conditions across most of England this week.
The warning means there is expected to be an impact on people’s health and on health services, with a surge in demand for care.
According to the Met Office temperatures will drop to as low as -6C (21.2F) on Wednesday and on Thursday, when daytime maximums will be no more than 3C (37.4F).
