TEMPERATURES are set to plummet as the county readies itself for an icy start to 2010 - with the chance of snow to begin the New Year.

TEMPERATURES are set to plummet as the county readies itself for an icy start to 2010 - with the chance of snow to begin the New Year.

The next week will see thermometers struggle to register above freezing as a cold blast blows in from the north.

Forecasters are predicting the first snow of the New Year could fall over parts of north Suffolk tonight, but it is not expected to cause the chaos seen in the run-up to Christmas.

A warning has also been given to motorists as temperatures dip down to -3C at the beginning of next week.

John Law, a forecaster at Weatherquest, said: “It does look like things are going to get very cold with cold air blowing down from the north.

“Parts of Suffolk, particular western parts, will go down to -3C and even up the coast it will go down towards freezing as we have a chilly couple of days.

“We are also looking at the chance of snow showers - most of them will affect parts of Norfolk but they will run into Suffolk as well, places like Lowestoft.

“It could settle in places but it will be snow showers so any accumulations will be localised.”

He added: “It is important to take care on the roads. We will see ice patches and a very widespread frost, so it is worth watching out for icy roads.”

Daytime temperatures today are expected to reach 2-3C but by Tuesday will struggle to register above freezing.