Issued: 1000hrs Thursday 22nd February 2018
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

A harsh hit of winter weather lasting into March

A classic 'Beast from the East' weather pattern will see Siberian air sweep across the British Isles by the start of next week. Temperatures will barely lift above freezing all week, and some areas are likely to stay sub-zero for several days. Severe frosts with exceptionally low temperatures, -10C or possibly below. Be aware of disruptive snowfall, particular in the east & north-east, but many places may well see snow at some point next week.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Sunday 25/02/18
A cold east to southeasterly wind influences the country. High pressure will be centred over Scandinavia. Dry overall, with plenty of sunshine across Britain and Ireland. Some low cloud toward eastern Scotland. Toward evening, snow flurries may develop on eastern coasts of England. Temperatures around 1 to 4C, coldest in eastern counties, and feeling sub-zero where exposed to the wind.

Monday 26/02/18
Easterly winds across the country. Snow flurries will affect eastern England and Scotland, spreading inland into Yorkshire and the Peak District, perhaps more widely into the Midlands. Snow may well become increasingly persistent in some areas. Generally cloudy. Some sun toward western coasts. Temperatures near 0C for most, feeling well below freezing in the wind. Up to 3C in the south-west.

Tuesday 27/02/18
Very cold conditions continue, and significant snow is possible. A trough of low pressure moving in from the North Sea brings a risk of snow becoming heavier, focused on east and north-eastern regions. Substantial accumulations are possible on eastern hills from the Peak District to the Grampians, but snow will also lie to the lowest levels. Staying near or below freezing point all day.

Wednesday 28/02/18
Confidence of weather detail is lower, but the overall message is one of staying very cold. Severe frost overnight, with temperatures -5 to -10C or locally lower. Further snow is possible for some. Daytime temperatures staying sub-zero for some, and only 0 to 2C at best.

Thursday 01/03/18
A continuing very cold pattern. Some further snow flurries possible. Easterly winds and bitterly cold temperatures - staying close to freezing by day.

Friday 02/03/18
Little overall change - staying cold. Detail uncertain, further snow is possible for some. Hard frosts and daytime temperatures around freezing point.