Strong winds along with torrential rain is forecast for the rest of the week as the country plunges back into winter temperatures.

Horrifying blasts of freezing-cold rain will sweep into the UK, threatening floods, snow and chopping sea conditions.

Tropical warm air from the US has pushed thermometers into double figures, up to 15C degrees, over the past few days.

But this is all set to end as the mercury drops back to more normal cold conditions for this time of year – at around 5C.

STORM: Wind and rain is set to smash into the UK, flattening recent warm weather
BATTER: Strong winds are set to smash the UK

Rain and high winds are expected to combine with colder temperatures to bring a dangerous mid-winter gale to large swathes of the country.

The north of the country, particularly in Scotland, is se to see some forceful gusts of wind tonight and areas further south will be hit on Tuesday evening.

Northern areas are also forecast for gales and snow in some places as the cold front sets in.

As heavy rain and powerful winds hit the UK, some forecasters are concerned that a large storm could materialise.

Bad weather is being dragged across the Atlantic and has the potential to bring devastation from tonight.

COLD: Forecasters are concerned that the winds could generate a storm

If the storm rears its terrifying head it would be the fourth big wind-storm of the year, and will be named Doris.

Nicola Maxey, Met Office spokeswoman, said: “Rain will start to move in later in the day and some of this could be heavy, it will also be quite gusty as winds pick up overnight into Wednesday.

“Gales could bring gusts speeds of 69mph into Thursday and as it turns colder there is a risk of snow which could be heavy over 400 metres.

SUNNY: Brits have been enjoying warm weather
WINDS: Bad weather is set to make a return tonight

“Although a name has not been issued for Thursday’s system there is the potential for this to happen, the next storm name would be Doris.”

Changeable weather will dominate the rest of this week as more cold fronts combined with super-powered winds sweep in from the west.

WeatherOnline forecaster Garry Nicholson said: “A changeable weather pattern will dominate during the week ahead as several frontal systems move in from the Atlantic.

“Rain will be frequent, and there will be gales at times.”

The majority of the country will struggle to see temperatures above 5 degrees this week.

In London temperatures will remain above average today, hitting 13 degrees in the south and around 7 degrees in the north.

But by the end of the week Londoners can expect highs of only 11 degrees.