the backlash of snowstorms in the US.

However the better news is that sunshine is on the way again and temperatures should rise towards the end of the week.

According to weather experts, the thermometer dropped to a measly 49 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday. The record low is 44 Fahrenheit.

But with the wind chill factor taken into account temperatures fell below freezing -- to the equivalent of minus three degrees centigrade.

"There was a very deep low pressure to the north east of Bermuda and we were getting some really cold northerly winds,'' said a spokeswoman for the Bermuda Weather Service.

Today will also be cold, but the weather should clear up towards the end of the week when the sun should shine.

Meanwhile the cold snap has prompted Bermuda's visitors to take advantage of deals on offer through the temperature guarantee scheme.

The scheme kicks in when the temperature on the Island drops below 68 degrees -- on Saturday the highest temperature recorded was 64 Fahrenheit and on Sunday it was just 57 degrees.

Among the benefits are a ten percent room rate discount, free admission to attractions, including National Trust properties, a one-day transport pass for bus and ferry travel and cut-price shopping.

Yesterday hotels around the Island said their visitors were taking advantage of the discounts.

A spokeswoman for Elbow Beach said: "There were about 30 rooms with visitors staying and I think they all took up the offer.''