Big freeze could last beyond a week - latest from weather forecasters

Anywhere is at risk of snow and there is a risk of 'substantial prolonged snowfall' later next week as the Siberian weather front dubbed 'beast from the east' weather front hits, according to latest orecast from the Met Office in the UK.

In its 'How cold will it be next week and where will it snow?' the forecaster is also alreadyy warning that the bitterly cold weather which will bring snow could last beyond this week.

It says that while not all parts of Britain and Ireland will get snow from the east initially, there is a risk that a low moist weather front from the Atlantic could bring 'substantial prolonged snowfall' later in the week.

The Met Office predicts the front to engulf Britain and Ireland. It warns that conditions over the weekend and into the early part of next week will become increasingly cold, possibly exceptionally cold.

The British forecaster has issued Yellow National Severe Weather Warning for snow is in force for parts of eastern and southeast England from 4pm on Monday and through Tuesday.

It says snow showers are expected to develop widely, with some locations likely to see accumulations of 5 to 10 cm. Although other sites may see less frequent showers leading to much smaller accumulations up to 2 cm.

A Yellow National Severe Weather Warning for snow is in force for parts of the UK for Monday and through Tuesday. Snow showers are expected to develop widely, with some locations likely to see accumulations of 5 to 10 cm. Although other sites may see less - up to 2 cm.

However, the forecaster says very cold conditions, which are likely to be the coldest spell of weather 'for several years', are likely to remain in place for the remainder of next week. It says the cold easterly wind will persist bringing a significant wind chill which will make it feel several degrees colder. 

It says that although the cold spell is forecast to remain in place for some time, there is a large uncertainty in the potential for further snowfall.

It adds that there are signs that the cold spell is likely to last 'well into next week and perhaps into the following week'.

A similar spell in 2013 lasted well into March.

WHAT WILL CAUSE THE BITTER COLD WEATHER?

MET EIREANN PUTS IRELAND ON ALERT FOR FREEZE