THE freezing cold weather is expected to stick around for longer than we thought.

The Met Office said a yellow national severe weather warning is in force for the south east, and the conditions are expected to last into spring.

It could become exceptionally cold next week.

Snow showers are expected to develop widely, with some locations likely to see of up to 10cm of snow.

READ MORE: 'High impact' snow warning for Essex'

The very cold conditions, which are likely to be the coldest spell of weather for several years, are likely to remain in place for the remainder of next week.

Night time temperatures could drop as low as -8 °C.

Paul Gundersen, a Met Office Chief Forecaster, said: “Parts of southern England and Wales are likely to the coldest spell of weather for several years. Many places will be dry, but snow showers are expected to develop from Monday.

"There is the potential for some disruptive snowfall on Monday evening and through Tuesday. The regions most at risk of disruptive snow are parts of southeast England and East Anglia. Transport disruption is likely in areas with significant snowfall."

Thursday is the first day of spring, but the high pressure over Scandinavia bringing the cold wind is expected to remain in place for several days.

The Met Office is working with partners in road, rail and air transport to help minimize the impacts on the public.