Arctic air moving across the UK is to cause a very cold end to April, says the Met Office.

Freezing air – already hovering over Scotland – is moving south and will cover much of the UK by the end of Tuesday.

Forecasters say a low pressure system that has moved eastwards has made way for the very cold Arctic air already in the north to take its place over the rest of the country, which will cause temperatures to plummet and create very cold conditions for the last week of the month.

Frosts are also expected as temperatures edge towards freezing overnight.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “This week will see temperatures below average for the time of year for many.

“Blustery winds will become confined to the far northeast overnight, with winds falling light elsewhere. This will allow widespread frost by night, though in sunshine by day, it should feel pleasant enough.”

In Kent, flood alerts are in place across the county with residents being told to prepare for overflows and avoid low lying ground.

Bank holiday forecasts

It will be the end of the week, predicts the Met Office, before tempertaures will return to what is normal for the time of year.

And if enough mild air can push-in in time, this Saturday, Sunday and the May 1 bank holiday could feel warm in the sunshine, albeit some showers are also forecast.

But for those with their eyes on the likely conditions for the coronation – and what will be the second bank holiday weekend of the month – the Met Office says it is currently too early to give a detailed forecast for May 6, 7 and 8.