SNOW is forecast for Croydon early next week.
The Met Office is warning the cold front which set in yesterday is due to send temperatures continuing to plummet, bringing widespread ice and the possibility of snow.
Paul Gundersen, Met Office Chief Forecaster, said: "All parts of the UK will see cold weather setting in over the weekend.
"We can expect sleet and snow showers to affect eastern areas at times, but with a battle developing between the cold air in the east and mild air pushing in from the west, no one should be surprised to see sleet or snow over the weekend and early next week."
Forecasters warned highs of just 3C should be expected over the weekend, with the weather staying cold until at least the end of next week.
A band of rain is likely to sweep north-east on Saturday morning, which could turn to sleet or snow in places.
Temperatures on Sunday night could dip well below freezing, forecasters said, with the possibility of widespread snow on Monday afternoon and evening.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for widespread ice, warning motorists to be prepared.
A Croydon Council spokesman said gritters would be treating roads tonight (Friday) and tomorrow morning.
He added: "We are keeping in close contact with the Met Office and are getting regular updates on what weather to expect.
"Tonight [Friday] we are going to be doing a precautionary treatment of roads from 9pm to deal with any sleet or snow that may fall early on Saturday morning.
"The crews will be out again from 5am to put down grit on all of the priority and secondary roads.
"We will also have staff gritting pavements from 4am on Saturday, with the focus on the town centre and higher ground where snow is more likely."
Information on which roads Croydon Council grits could be found on the authority's website
Some forecasters have said Britain should prepare for more than a month of severely cold weather and heavy snow.
However, the Met Office long-range forecast states: "There is greater than average uncertainty through this period, with no strong signal for any one weather type to dominate.
"However, on balance colder, drier conditions are more favoured rather than the milder, wetter weather experienced so far this winter."
The AA advises drivers to ensure car batteries are charged, to top up on antifreeze and to check tyres and lights.
You can read more advice for driving in the winter here.
