The Met Office has delivered its latest forecast amid reports of a "-14c big freeze" hitting the UK.
Some outlets have said people in parts of the UK can expect blizzards and up to 27cm of snow. The Met Office does report things will turn considerably cooler, but is predicting wintry showers in the coming weeks, rather than heavy snowfall.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said: "The transition to lower temperatures will be noticeable over the weekend. It will become rather cold next week with lower-than-average temperatures across much of the UK, accentuated by brisk easterly winds in the south.
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“As the prevailing weather conditions will be characterised by high pressure, a good deal of settled weather is likely. Clearer skies and a marked reduction in precipitation are expected, although any showers that do occur are likely to be wintry in nature.
"A combination of overnight freezing temperatures, saturated ground and calm winds mean increasing risks of frost, fog and icy conditions."
In its long range UK forecast for January 11-20, the Met Office predicts "many areas will often be dry if rather cloudy, however occasional light rain or drizzle is likely, especially on some east-facing hills".
It adds that there could potentially be "significant snow" in parts of the south. Looking further ahead, its weather experts predict the period from January 21 – February 4 will see "an increased chance of colder conditions along with the associated impacts from low temperatures, ice and snow".
The forecast continues: "While colder weather is more likely to dominate, there is also the possibility of further frontal systems at least encroaching from the west or southwest, bringing the potential for more widespread snow to parts of the UK as they butt up against any cold air in place.
"These would also increase the likelihood of wetter conditions redeveloping, at least in the south, where occasional milder interludes are also most likely."
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