The Met Office says a “wintry mix of showers” will move across the country next week, bringing snow, sleet and hail – with temperatures expected to plunge as low as -10C (14F) in places.

And it warned there are “strong signals” the cold weather “could last well into February, bringing a range of winter hazards including widespread frosts, ice and snow”.

Met Office meteorologist Emma Smith said a ridge of high pressure is expected to move into the UK on Sunday night into Monday morning, with temperatures in Scotland falling as low as -10C (14F).

She told Sky News: “Widespread frost is expected across the UK, with temperatures in northern England and Wales reaching -7C (19F), East Anglia -3C (27F), the Midlands 3C (37F) and London 2C (36F).

“On Tuesday there will be a wintry mix of showers across the country, with a mix of rain, sleet, snow and hail. These showers will be quite lively and will move from the north into East Anglia and London.

“Five to 10cm (2-4in) of snow could fall in the Grampians and the Pennines, with 5cm (2in) in Snowdonia.”

A sudden stratospheric warming at the end of December meant the jet stream – the usual driver of the UK’s weather – is much weaker than normal for the time of year, leaving the British Isles with an increased chance of cold spells.

The Met Office said: “As we go through the rest of the month and into February the longer-range outlook indicates it will remain cold and possibly very cold for a time.

“This will bring potentially widespread overnight frosts, which could be locally severe in any longer clear spells.

“With cold air across the UK there is a greater risk of snow at lower levels at times. However, some milder and wetter interludes may intersperse the generally cold conditions, these are most likely in the south.”

Public Health England (PHE) has issued advice on how to cope with the cold weather, including keeping your home heated to 18C (64.4F) and keeping an eye on friends or neighbours who may be elderly or have health conditions.

Emer O’Connell, from PHE, said: “It’s also really important to look out for others. People with heart and lung conditions, those who are over 65 and young children are at risk in cold weather.

“Those with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s are also at risk as they may be less aware that they need to change their behaviour to stay warm.”

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