BBC Weather | United Kingdom

December was a particularly cold month with temperatures below average in most areas. It now looks as though much of January will continue in the same vein with harsh frosts and further heavy snowfalls.

Monday 4 January 2010 to Sunday 10 January 2010

More snow

Areas of sleet and snow will drift southwards across the UK during the first part of the week. At first, the most significant snowfalls are likely to be in Scotland and over the higher ground of northern England.

However, later in the week, the risk for more prolonged, heavy snowfall lies across many eastern and southeastern parts of the UK so we can expect some problems here with significant accumulations of snow likely to lead to some disruption.

Throughout the week, temperatures will remain well below the seasonal average with severe night frosts and daytime highs often remaining below freezing. Ice will continue to be a major hazard anywhere that rain, sleet or snow has fallen.

On the plus side, when it is not snowing, the air will be clean and clear with bright sunny spells, especially in more western areas.

Monday 11 January 2010 to Sunday 17 January 2010

Cold but often dry

High pressure to the west of the UK will maintain the northerly winds and intense cold for much of this period.

Some further snow showers can be expected, again mainly in northern and eastern areas but many inland areas are likely to remain mostly dry, with the best sunshine towards the west.

Monday 18 January 2010 to Sunday 31 January 2010

Little change at first

It will remain cold for the rest of January although there is a hint that temperatures may recover slightly towards the south and west eventually.

The weather will turn increasingly unsettled which may result in some further prolonged snowfalls - the west being more at risk during this time, although as temperatures pick up, southern parts could be more likely to see rain towards the end of the month.

Next week

Check back next week to see what the beginning of February has in store.