-13 CUK HEADS FOR THE BIG; Sleet and snow are on their way.

Byline: BY ADRIAN SHAW 

BRITAIN faces a freezing start to 2009 with temperatures plunging as low as minus 13C.

The big chill will mean widespread frost throughout the UK.

During the day, the temperature is unlikely to rise much above zero, and in parts of Scotland it could even fall as low as - 13C.

The South East and Midlands are braced for overnight lows, which could reach - 6C, in the coming week.

Met Office forecaster Stephen Holman said: "We are pretty confident that temperatures will stay below average for the next two weeks." In the South East, Midlands and the North of England, the temperature will be between - 1C and 4C during the day.

Sleet and snow are set to hit northern and eastern areas and there could be downfalls in the South and West. Northern Ireland is expected to have bright spells at first but becoming increasingly cloudy and grey.

Mr Holman said: "There is a fair chance that in some major cities the temperature will not rise above zero all day. We have already seen overnight temperatures as low as - 13C in the Highlands this month and at the end of November."

Most areas are expected to have a cold and frosty start for the next few days, with clear skies and weak sunshine. Police and motoring organisations are concerned that the cold snap could bring about a spate of road accidents.

The freezing weather coincides with the New Year holiday - and thousands of cars expected to be taking to the roads.

The AA said drivers should allow extra time for journeys, slow down and keep a safe distance from the car in front.

They should check their tyres and brakes and make sure that all lights are working.

And with fog forecast for the Midlands, drivers should use their fog lights. The AA said: "There is no obligation to use them but they must be switched off when visibility improves."