Temperatures will drop as low as minus six tonight with wintry showers and sharp frosts expected in the coming days.
The Met Office has warned that people all across the UK should expect a brief period of abnormally cold weather for this time of year. A rare level 3 Cold Weather alert was put in place which will come into effect at 6pm this evening and will last until 9am on Monday. It comes amidst a warning of a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions.
In parts of the North West, temperatures are expected to get as low as -6C this evening (Wednesday December 7) and they will struggle to get above freezing point throughout the week. Today, widespread frost is forecast but there is also predicted to be prolonged periods of crisp winter sunshine and maximum temperatures of 4C.
READ MORE : When will the cold snap end?
Tonight, forecasters say that it will quickly turn very cold with widespread and sharp frost forming and a few wintry showers developing. Tomorrow (Thursday December 8) it is set to remain cold and frosty despite a sunny start, while maximum temperatures expected to reach 1C in Manchester with lows of -3C, although temperatures in Bolton are set to reach -5C, the Met Office says.
Friday will be similar, with highs of 1C and lows of -2C, although the weather will remain clear.
The weekend outlook is relatively similar - staying cold and often dry with some sunshine, although with the possibility of isolated wintry showers at times. Widespread and sharp frosts will continue overnight, perhaps with icy patches and lows of -3C.
The Met Office predicts that the cold snap will last into the beginning of next week, especially in the north. A spokesman said: "The second half of December remains uncertain, but there are hints of a return to nearer normal temperatures.
"This would be associated with spells of more unsettled weather, especially for the south, and a reducing risk of wintry hazards overall, although periods of severe weather are still possible. Northern areas are likely to hold onto the colder conditions for longest."
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
Man, 24, charged after woman allegedly raped in her own home
The festering resentment that left one man dead and another behind bars for life
Three men charged with murder following fatal stabbing of teenager Kyle Hackland in south Manchester
Dad murdered in gun-and-acid attack may have been victim of a botched attempt to destroy evidence
Travel chaos as hundreds of football supporters flood Manchester street after shock win for Morocco
