Crisp, sunny weather will give way to snow, sleet and gales as the Met Office issued a slew of severe weather warnings for the coming days.
The South is set to be worst affected in the coming days, with up to 10cm of snow expected to fall overnight from 9pm tomorrow and into Wednesday.
But snow could also be seen in the North East and North West as early as today, followed by widespread rain from Wednesday in northern areas.
The Met Office told The Sun Online: "We are looking at a fairly unsettled week with a mix of rain, snow, sleet and gales.
"There's a potential for disruptive snow in some parts of the country, particularly in the South East area on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"In the South between 1-3cm is likely to accumulate quite widely on the ground, with up to 10cm in hilly areas such as the Chilterns.
"Temperatures will dip this week to as low as -8C tonight in Aberdeen, and could sink to -10C in Belfast on Wednesday.
"But the more widely felt temperatures will be at around -2C."
TRAVEL CHAOS IN STORE
A severe yellow warning for ice was in place for parts of northern Scotland until midday today.
Tomorrow the Arctic blast has led to a total of three yellow warnings for snow and ice, extending into Wednesday for most of England.
The freezing air blowing from the North Pole will bring a chance of delays on the roads as a result of the extreme weather conditions, which could leave passengers and vehicles stranded.
Cancellations of railway services and flights are also possible.
Rural communities across the South East could become cut off and power cuts could occur.
Freezing cold winds reaching speeds of 70mph are likely to sweep across North East England, especially in coastal areas, this week.
While by Monday morning parts of Cornwall were battered by gusts of 65mph.
The Met Office said that widespread rain and snow was possible on Thursday, with some severe overnight frosts in store.
For Friday the Met has predicted sleet and snow in the North as well as continued freezing temperatures bringing the risk of further snow and sleet towards the weekend.
But tomorrow, as today, many areas will continue to enjoy clear, sunny skies accompanied by the freezing temperatures.
SNOW PLOUGHS AT THE READY
In preparation for the heavy snow Heathrow Airport has 185 now ploughs on standby and Gatwick airport has followed suit with 98 snow ploughs and snow-blowers at the ready.
Network Rail has also begun preparations, with 34 de-icing trains prepared to clear the way – plus 2,000 gritters are ready to take to the streets.
With the mercury set to fall to as low as -6C in England this week and lows of -14C are expected in parts of Scotland.
Forecaster Simon Partridge said: "A cold week ahead started on Sunday with a straight northerly, with air coming all the way from north of Greenland, near the North Pole.
"It stays cold certainly until mid-February, with the risk of snow and ice and the chance of easterly winds."
Exacta Weather’s James Madden said: “Next week looks like bringing further very cold weather and snow which could affect much of the country.
“Some of this snowfall could be heavy and towards the middle of next week there is the potential for some disruption due to the weather.
“We can expect more of the same through the rest of the month and through much of February.”
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