Forecast: Colder, Freezing, -10C

7:01pm UK, Saturday February 07, 2009

The whole country is struggling to cope with snow, ice and freezing temperatures. But how long will it last? Will we get further snow? Sky News weather forecaster Isobel Lang looks at the week ahead.

This winter's been a howler

Are we in for a howler of a week?

Saturday
Frost will develop quickly this evening giving the risk of widespread ice again overnight.

There is snow around but mainly in the North East this time, with the strong and bitter north wind continuing to feed in showers this evening. Heaviest snow will probably be around central and eastern Scotland, the northern Pennines, Northumberland, Cleveland and north Yorkshire.

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Sunday
Very icy in the morning with central and eastern areas down to -8C to -10C in places. Again, treacherous on untreated roads and pavements.

Our concerns start with Ireland as an Atlantic system sweeps in. Expect snow initially across Ireland causing some temporary problems (poor visibility, blowing snow). This will turn to rain later. Then Britain is at risk through the afternoon and evening.

Sleet or rain is most likely in the south, but from the Midlands northwards across northern England a few centimetres of fresh snow are likely. This snow will then edge into Scotland where it'll probably remain all Sunday night.

Monday
Icy again in central and southern parts, but it'll still be snowing in the north - I think probably across central Scotland. This could mean a very tricky morning rush hour for the Central Lowlands but the snow will be dying out.

More snow is possible in the south. It's hard to say how much or exactly where, or indeed the extent of disruption, mainly because the low pressure area bringing this risk may stay further south over France, hence keeping us dry.

Winter weather on the roads

London was paralysed on Monday

At this stage expect heavy rain and strong winds moving up into southern Britain, turning to snow as it moves inland, bringing the risk of blizzards to hills. The snow risk will probably extend from Devon eastwards to London.

Tuesday
Snow in the south should have gone, giving sunshine and scattered sleet and snow showers as the weather picture. And yes it'll still be cold with frost and ice.

Wednesday
Similarly cold with further ice and frost first thing, and some snow showers, but there may be an area of more prolonged snow coming in from the north during the day.
Again some uncertainty as to exactly where - perhaps best to assume Scotland and northern England for now.

Courtesy from: SKY News