Shivers on way in beastly blast

WINTER starts today as Britain plunges into a month-long chill with temperatures colder than the Arctic.

The mercury is set to drop to 6C with snow flurries on the way for parts of the south, Midlands and north by Wednesday.

The odds of a white Christmas have also been slashed with forecasters likening the cold spell to the big freeze of 2010. This week’s change has been blamed on a new “Beast From The East”, with -5C winds blowing in from Scandinavia.

The Met Office said snow flurries threaten higher ground, with sleet showers and ice a risk at low levels.

Weathermen say that last week’s high of 18C will give way to a low of 6C from today.

And windchill will make some days feel like -3C in parts of the east.

Today, Britain will be colder than Akureyri in Iceland – bordering the Arctic

Circle – where temperatures are expected to be 9C.

The Met Office said easterly winds and snow risks are “most likely” to continue after midweek for the rest of November.

Met Office forecaster Craig

Snell said: “It will certainly feel cold, with a big contrast to the past week as easterly winds arrive on Monday from Scandinavia and eastern Europe.

“Snow may fall by Wednesday on the Downs, Chilterns, Peak District and Wolds, with sleet possibly to low levels and the risk of icy patches.

“Thermometers will say

7C or 8C, but easterly winds will make it feel like 4C to

6C, and colder in the east.” Fellow Met Office forecaster Steven Keates said: “The remainder of November sees scope for sleet or snow on higher ground.

“December 1 to 15 is likely to begin cold. There is a small chance Atlantic fronts bring less cold weather in early December, but should that happen it would likely be short-lived.”

Odds of a white Christmas have been cut by bookmakers Coral – down to just 7/4 in Glasgow, 2/1 in Newcastle, 11/4 in Manchester and

3/1 in London. Spokesman Harry Aitkenhead said: “Odds are plunging as fast as the mercury.”