London weather: Capital set for cold snap as Arctic blasts hit the UK

Freezing conditions and even snow could reach London next week as Arctic winds hit the UK.

The unseasonably warm winter will take a dramatic cold turn as maximum temperatures fall from 11 degrees to a maximum of 5 over the next week.

The cold will sweep down from the north of the UK bringing with it wintery showers and the possibility of freezing temperatures.

Families across many parts of the UK are still recovering from major flooding caused by storm Frank over the Christmas period. The misery is set to continue for areas in the north of England affected by flooding as the Met office warns of over 20mm of rain in many areas of the UK.

The Met Office said: "By the middle of next week daytime temperatures are likely to be in the range of 0-5C. Overnight, frost and ice can be expected as temperatures fall below freezing. This change in temperature will be particularly noticeable given the recent mild weather.

"Showers are increasingly likely to fall as sleet or snow to low levels across the north of the UK. There is also a risk of some sleet and snow in the south, although many areas here are likely to be dry with some sunshine for much of the time."

The UK experienced its wettest December on record in 2015 as much of the north of England was hit by flooding.

The Met Office warned of the continued risk of flooding in already swamped areas but said they may be some relief from the rain as cold temperatures will bring drier conditions.