Snow map shows Siberian freeze crashing into Scotland with temperatures set to plummet to -5C

Scots have been urged to prepare for sub-zero temperatures as a Siberian freeze is set to sweep across the country in the coming days.

According to the latest WXCharts maps, the icy conditions will arrive on 18 February, bringing freezing temperatures, rain, and snow, Mirror reports. Central Scotland is expected to bear the brunt of the cold snap, with temperatures potentially plummeting to -5C.

Both northern and southern Scotland will see temperatures drop to between -3C and -4C, while parts of central Scotland could plummet to -5C. Meanwhile, northern England is forecast to hit lows of -2C to -3C, with Wales potentially reaching -5C.

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In the Midlands and East of England, temperatures could range between 0C and -3C, while southern England and Northern Ireland may also dip below freezing. Rain is expected along the west coast and in Northern Ireland, while central Scotland could see snowfall.

The Met Office's long-range forecast from February 13 to February 22 reads: "An easterly or south-easterly wind is likely, with cold and cloudy weather continuing at first. Atlantic Low pressure however is inching closer to the British Isles, with bands of rain gradually moving into western parts.

"It is also possible that this might fall as snow initially as precipitation initially runs into resident cold air. Eastern areas of the country will hold on to relatively drier conditions for longer, but it will still feel cold under the cloud and wind.

"It is possible however that the cold, cloudy easterly or south-easterly theme continues. Eventually though it is thought that low pressure will push frontal bands of rain across much of the UK by the end of the week, with wind and rain becoming the dominant feature of the weather."

The UK is set for a mix of wet and windy weather between late February and early March, according to the Met Office. Bands of rain and strong winds are expected, interspersed with drier, brighter spells, while temperatures will remain close to average overall.

In the coming days, much of England and Wales will be under dull, grey, and damp conditions, with maximum temperatures slightly below average. Areas stuck under thick cloud cover will feel colder than they actually are, forecasters say, and little change is expected over the next two to five days.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said Sunday will start off chilly across much of England and Wales, with temperatures around 2C to 3C, but will rise to around 6C to 7C.

"There could be some glimmers of sunshine first thing across southern counties of England, but much of England and Wales will be cloudy and dull and grey and damp," he said.

By Sunday evening, south-east England could see heavier rain, and similar conditions are expected at the start of next week. Dewhurst added: "A lot of cloud around, generally an easterly breeze keeping most weather fronts at bay – so staying largely dry – but the clouds thick enough in places for some patchy light rain at times, maybe a little bit of sleet over higher ground. Best of the sunshine, probably again northern parts of Scotland."

Forecasters say conditions may brighten by midweek, but the outlook remains uncertain.