“There is likely to be a number of days when temperatures in many parts stay below freezing all day.

“The lowest night temperatures in parts of the Midlands, Northern England or Scotland could be as low as -17C (1.4F) or possibly colder.”

The Met Office yesterday forecast a bitterly cold snap for almost the whole of the UK in the middle of this week.

Temperatures are expected to plunge from a mild 10C (50F) to -4C (25F) overnight in northern areas by Thursday and a blanket of snow is likely in many parts.

Robin Downton, of the Met Office, predicted snowfall in the East and North of England and eastern Scotland on Wednesday, possibly spreading to the Midlands, East Anglia and the South on Thursday.

He said: “The weather is going to turn really cold during Wednesday and by Thursday it will feel jolly cold throughout the whole of the country, apart from the very far West and South-west.

“With the strong winds, it will be a bit of a shock for people because it will feel bitterly cold. With the wind-chill, it will feel perishing.”

The freezing temperatures will feel even worse because of the mild winter Britain has enjoyed so far.

By the weekend, temperatures are due to thaw to about 11C (52F) but forecasters say the respite will be only temporary, with further winter misery to come. Jonathan Powell, senior forecaster at Positive Weather Solutions, said: “During February we will see an extended cold snap. We would expect it to be much colder than January.

“It will not be a pleasant month. We would expect many days where the temperatures struggle to get above freezing.

“There will be harsh frosts and snow at the start and the end of the month.”

The gloomy forecast means revellers looking forward to welcoming in 2008 outdoors should make the most of the next two days.

Unlike last year when many New Year and Hogmanay celebrations had to be cancelled, mild temperatures of about 8C (46F) are expected for the evening.

Wales and most of England will be mainly dry and cloudy today, although one or two showers are anticipated.

Revellers in northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, however, can expect rain.

Those hoping to walk off the excesses of New Year’s Eve can expect a mild but cloudy day on January 1.

Most areas will remain dry but rain is expected in central and southern Scotland, North-east England and East Anglia.

The mercury is expected to top 10C (50F) in southern England on New Year’s Day and will only be a few degrees cooler across the rest of the UK.