ICY Arctic air is set to blast the UK this week, bringing sub-zero temperatures and possibly even snow.

According to the Met Office, a freezing blast of air will blow over Britain, driven by a powerful storm swirling in Siberia and the North Pole.

The chilly spell may even bring the possibility of sleet and snow, with the Met Office announcing “there will be an increased chance of snow, particularly for northern hills.” Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said icy winds are set to start on Wednesday and last until Friday.

There are predictions that the daytime temperatures could drop as low as 5C on Wednesday and Thursday. But due to the strong easterly winds the temperature will feel far colder than it really is, especially in comparison to the warmer weather we’ve been having.

BBC Weather forecaster Chris Fawkes warned “winter is coming” in his outlook for the week, adding “in the context of this warm Autumn that we are seeing, this is going to feel freezing cold.”

The Met Office indicated that the brisk breeze could last into December.