The week ahead is set to be very cold with plenty of sunshine and snow is possible from Wednesday, weather forecasters say.

Night time temperatures will be below freezing, and as low as -7 under clear skies, weather bureau Weerplaza said in its weekly forecast. It will become steadily colder as the week continues.

By Wednesday the wind will turn from the east to become north westerly bringing wintry showers across the North Sea. Some sleet or snow may fall in the north west of the country, Weerplaza said.

Thursday too will be a mix of cloud, sunny spells and wintry showers, with temperatures no higher than 4 Celsius during the day. Friday will remain chilly.

The weekend, however, will be warmer with plenty of cloud and some rain, according to Weeronline. The long term forecasts point towards more of the same up to the end of the month, making a white Christmas unlikely.

The KNMI too sees a 70% to 80% chance of milder weather towards the holiday period.