Eastern parts of the country are most at risk of snow showers and overnight temperatures will plunge below freezing across most parts over the next few days, according to MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association.

It will also feel increasingly cold in the daytime, falling to 1C (34F) in places as a chill north-east wind strengthens through the week.

There is not expected to be any repeat of the heavy snow falls and extended arctic conditions that brought the country to a standstill last month.

Gemma Plumb from MeteoGroup said: "It will feel a lot colder than it is at the moment this week.

"There is a cold wind coming from the north, which will make conditions seem much chillier.

"At the moment it looks like the greatest risk of snow is in the east."

Temperatures over the past week have been milder, reaching nearly 10C in parts, as a result of cloud cover.

This week, western parts of the UK are expected to see the coldest weather between Wednesday and Friday, dropping to minus 4C (25F) overnight.

The change in the weather results from a high pressure to the north of the UK, which is sending down the brisk, chill winds across the country and creating clear skies.