WRAP UP WARM -5C ICY BLAST ON WAY
BRITAIN is set to be colder than Iceland this weekend as an Arctic blast sweeps in.
Polar winds will send thermometers plummeting to -5C (23F), with snow forecast over high ground.
Experts have now warned Britain could be facing its harshest winter for five years.
Scotland, the North and parts of the South-west are in the firing line for bitter windy conditions at the weekend.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Rina, currently sweeping across the Atlantic, will be picked up by weather systems heading towards the UK.
Coastal regions face gales tonight, while strong winds and rain will affect western England, Wales and the South-west.
Temperatures will widely drop to freezing or below tomorrow night and into Sunday.
Windchill
The Met Office predicts snow over hills and mountains in the North, with showers possible over lower ground.
Parts of Britain are likely to be colder than Reykjavik in Iceland, where temperatures will hit a relatively balmy 5C (41F) on Monday.
Forecaster Emma Sharples said: “It will turn colder on Sunday night and into Monday. We could see temperatures drop to -5C in rural areas.
“It is also likely to be a cold start on Monday with a widespread frost in the morning. With windchill, it will feel even colder.”
Todd Crawford, of The Weather Company, added: “We expect the coldest winter since 2012-13.”
Drivers have been warned to take extra care on icy roads over the coming days.
Bookies have slashed the odds on a white Christmas this year with Coral offering 10-11 for snowfall anywhere in Britain on the big day.