-13C UK HEADS FOR THE BIG CHILL; Sleet and snow are on their way.

Byline: BY ADRIAN SHAW 

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

The big chill will mean widespread frost.

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.

Parts of England are braced for overnight lows of - 6C for the coming week.

Met Office forecaster Stephen Holman said: "We are pretty confident that temperatures will stay below average for the next two weeks." He added that in the South East, Midlands and the North of England, the temperature will be between 2C and 4C during the day and - 6C at night.

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."

Northern Ireland forecaster Chris Almond said: "The temperatures will drop to around minus two or three overnight and will rise to two or three degrees during the day. That will continue over the next few days right up to the New Year.

"It will be mainly frosty with sunshine but the wind will make it feel colder."

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 maintain a safe distance from the car in front. They should check their tyres and brakes and make sure that all lights are working.