A brief return to slightly milder conditions would make way for a widespread chilly spell, with figures potentially falling as low as -8C, the Met Office has said.

Forecasters said snow could be seen across many parts of the UK from the "middle of the week" as it becomes "increasingly unsettled", but there still remains a lot of uncertainty on where it might fall and the amounts involved.

The Met Office said low pressure, which normally brings less settled conditions, is expected to "start moving in" during the coming days - if this "bumps against" the colder air, it could see rain turn to snow.

Snow could fall on higher ground in central and southern parts of the UK, forecasters said - with further wintry showers possible in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern parts of England.

Up to 5cm of snow could fall in parts of Wales and northwest England over higher ground, forecasters said - with smaller amounts possible at lower levels too.

There will also be a "continued risk" of overnight frost and fog, the Met Office added.

It comes after thermometers plunged as low as -7.7C in Shap, Cumbria, on Friday night and -5C in parts of Scotland on Saturday night.

Many other parts of northern England and Wales also experienced conditions below zero overnight.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst warned of "a cold week to come" with possible hill snow "as we move through the latter part of Wednesday into Thursday".

England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be quite cloudy with outbreaks of rain on Monday, before an area of low pressure pulls towards the continent to create brighter spells.

Figures will peak in double figures in southern England and Wales - but will begin to slide heading into Tuesday.

Find out the forecast for your area

A frosty evening is expected in many areas on Tuesday, with temperatures of around -2C to -5C. They could fall as low as -8C in the far north of England and rural Scotland.

Dartmoor, the Pennines and parts of Scotland are also at risk of some sleet or snow.

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Many regions are likely to experience severe frosts, icy stretches and patchy freezing fog.

The cold conditions over the weekend came as the Northern Lights - also known as aurora borealis - were spotted across parts of the UK.

The colourful waves were reportedly witnessed in the skies above parts of Scotland, northeast England, Suffolk and Essex.

Another phenomenon called Moon haloes - when moonlight is reflected by ice crystals in the air producing a white halo effect - was also seen in areas further south.