Brits heading out today will want to leave their summer coats in the closet, as freezing Arctic winds are set to blast the whole of the UK. In a sign of things to come, weather forecaster WXCharts is predicting that some areas might even see temperatures as low as -5C.

A weather system is forcing cold Arctic air south over the country for much of today, causing much colder temperatures than usual for this time of year. Some parts might even see snow as temperatures stay around freezing for much of the morning, which has sparked a warning from the Met Office.

Drivers would be advised to check their windscreens for frost before heading out, particularly in northern areas of the UK, while everyone on the road would be well-minded to keep an eye out for freak weather, with a localised heavy hale storm blamed for nine car pile-up in Nottingham on Tuesday.

The WXCharts maps show shows this Arctic wind keeping much of the UK below 0C for much of the day, with only a late afternoon spell of slightly milder weather for parts of the south coast. Meanwhile, people in the north of England and parts of the midlands could see the mercury stay stubbornly around -1C and -2C for much of the day.

Jim Dale, founder and meteorologist at British Weather Services, commented: "It will be increasingly cold this week, windy at first but seasonally uncommon air frosts unfolding in the Glens [of Scotland] by Thursday into Friday and Saturday."

Other meteorologists have warned of snow across higher ground. Nick Finnis, a meteorologist with Netweather.tv warned: "It will turn much cooler from the north across all parts through the week, so much so, that Wednesday and Thursday nights will turn chilly for all, with temperatures falling into low single figures widely, with a risk of frost in sheltered areas in the north. There will likely be some snow over Scottish mountain tops too."

The unruly weather has sparked a warning from meteorologists this week, with parts of Scotland worst affected by the unseasonably cold weather. Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, said: “Of particular concern is a prolonged spell of heavy rain over or close to Shetland during Tuesday.

"A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued. We are also monitoring the potential for a period of strong northwesterly winds, especially for Orkney and perhaps also into parts of the Moray and Aberdeenshire coast.”

“We will continue to assess the need for weather warnings, so please keep up to date with our latest forecasts and warnings for your area.”

Met Office's five-day forecast

Today:

It will be another chilly and rather breezy day, with sunny spells and scattered showers. Showers most frequent across the north and west with hail and thunder possible in the south this afternoon. Showers easing from the southwest later.

Tonight:

Showers lingering across northern and eastern coasts overnight. Dry with light winds and clear spells elsewhere leading to a cold night with patchy mist and frost forming.

Friday:

After a chilly start it will be a mostly dry day with plenty of sunny spells. Feeling a little warmer than previous days. Rain arriving in the northwest later.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Dry for much of England and Wales through this period, with sunny spells. Cloudier for Northern Ireland, Scotland and northwest England, with outbreaks of rain. Temperatures returning nearer to average.