A SECOND Beast from the East could be heading for the UK as temperatures plummet.

The Met Office said a frozen blast from Russia will hit the UK over the course of the week with daytime temperatures struggling to reach above freezing.

Snow warnings are currently in place for Basingstoke until Wednesday at midnight, but the local forecast only predicts snow fall until 2pm today (February 8).

However, further snowfall is predicted on Friday and Saturday.

When asked about a potential return of the Beast from the East, the Met Office said a frozen blast from Russia will hit the UK, with the potential for heavy snow and plummeting temperatures.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, added: “The UK is in for a notably cold and snowy period over the next week, with very cold air in place over the whole of the UK.”

Here is the latest weather forecast:

Today:

Snow showers will continue, with further accumulations and drifting. Strong easterly winds, with gales along Kent coasts. Feeling bitterly cold. Daytime temperatures struggling to reach above freezing. Maximum temperature 0 °C.

Tonight:

Further snow showers will move west across the region on a moderate easterly breeze, with accumulations to all levels. Feeling very cold overnight with a hard frost and icy conditions. Minimum temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday:

Wintry showers continuing but becoming fewer. Icy stretches remain likely with bitterly cold fresh easterly winds. Some winter sunshine between showers. Another hard overnight frost. Maximum temperature 1 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Wintry showers initially on Wednesday, becoming light then clearing later. Drier and bright on Thursday, with a risk of snow again Friday. Bitterly cold with hard frosts and icy stretches.