Everything you need to know about this week's 'Beast from the East'
Big freeze on the way ❄️☃️
Last updated 26th Feb 2018
Freezing weather sweeping in from Russia - known as "The Beast from the East" - is set to cause travel disruption as Northern Ireland faces its coldest February week in five years.
HOW MUCH SNOW IS EXPECTED TO FALL?
Severe weather warnings have been issued, with 2-20cm of snow predicted, eastern areas are expected to see the greatest falls.
A Met Office yellow "be aware" warning is in place for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Further significant snowfall is possible by the end of the week as fronts move into cold air from the south, but exact detail is still uncertain.
HOW COLD WILL IT GET?
Temperatures are expected to drop close to -8C in some areas. Daytime temperatures will struggle to get above freezing.
There will be a significant wind chill making it feel much colder.
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
Forecasters say the icy conditions could last until the middle of March.
WHAT'S CAUSED THE BEAST FROM THE EAST?
The prolonged spell of cold weather has been blamed on a rare North Pole phenomenon called "sudden stratospheric warming".
The event disrupted the polar vortex in the upper atmosphere, resulting in bitterly cold air sweeping in from Siberia.
IN SUMMARY
Snow showers developing through Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday with 2-20cm accumulating in places.
Showers will be hit and miss. Amounts of snow will vary over relatively short distances.
Eastern areas and higher ground at greater risk.
Widespread significant snowfall possible early-Friday.
It will feel unseasonably cold with a biting wind chill lasting through next weekend (and quite possibly beyond).
