UK weather: Sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice to hit the UK as forecaster reveals it is the sunniest January in a decade

Temperatures will drop to -12 degrees and snow is expected across Scotland and Northern Ireland

A horse stands in the snow in Langley

Britain is braced for more cold weather, ice and snow showers – despite forecasters reveal that it has been the sunniest January for a decade.

Temperatures are expected to fall as low as -10 to -12 degrees over the next few days and clear skies will lead to widespread frost, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Severe weather warnings issued by the Met Office

Severe warnings for ice have been issued for eastern coastal areas in England by the Met Office and from Monday snow warnings are in place for almost the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Bad weather has been blamed for the death of a climber from Suffolk who was caught in an avalanche on Friday on Coireag Dubh Mor in the Scottish Highlands. Search efforts were also hampered by the poor conditions.

Motorists make their way over Hannahstown Hill, near Belfast (Getty) (Getty Images)

Tony Gillard, a meteorologist at the Met Office, told The Independent about the expected weather: “Clear skies will lead to widespread frost across the country.

“Hard frost will be a particular issue in places with snow cover. On any untreated roads there could be icy patches and care is advised.”

A car in the snow near Worrall, South Yorkshire (PA)

The poor weather comes as forecaster MeteoGroup revealed that last month was the sunniest January since 2003, notching up an average of 75 hours of sunshine. Only three January in the last century have received more sun.

In localised hilly areas temperatures could plunge to -12 degrees, while elsewhere -5 degrees is expected.

The cold snap will continue into the middle of next week, with sub-zero temperatures forecast across the country over night.

Snow showers are expected in eastern coastal counties. While into Tuesday there may be more persistent snow moving over Scotland and Northern Ireland.

As much as 25cm of snow could fall in high parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Met Office’s chief forecaster said: “Much clearer weather is expected to follow this evening which will allow temperatures to quickly fall below freezing, with ice forming on untreated surfaces."