Weather tracker: northern Europe facing cold snap

Short spell of wintry conditions likely to be replaced by spring-like temperatures early next week

This week northern Europe is likely to be plunged back into winter as temperatures are forecast to fall considerably below the seasonal norm under a very cold Arctic air mass. Meanwhile, in more southern parts of the continent, more tropical conditions will arise.

The UK is likely to be on the northern boundary of these air masses, which, in combination with low pressure systems moving in from the west, could lead to some significant outbreaks of sleet and snow in places by midweek.