Shoppers warned as Arctic winds blow in

CHRISTMAS shoppers will need to wrap up this weekend as Arctic winds and snow blast back from today.

Yesterday’s brief mild spell will give way to freezing temperatures and further wintry showers.

Scotland and northern England face another deluge of snow, with central England, Wales and the West Country also at risk.

The whole of Britain faces a bitterly cold start to the weekend, although there are signs of change back to milder weather next week. Thermometers will plunge widely to zero or below.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for ice across much of the country until just before lunchtime today.

People were urged to take extra care on slippery roads and pavements. Disruption to transport networks is also likely.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “The wintry threat will continue into the weekend before a reversion to milder weather on Sunday.

“Thursday will bring frequent wintry showers in the West, the North and coastal regions.

Flow

“It is possible that we could see snowfall to lower levels.

“A northerly flow returns from midnight today and into the weekend, however we do not expect it to be quite as cold as earlier this week.” The fluctuating weather also has kept bookies on their toes as punters splash the cash gambling on snowfall this Christmas.

Ladbrokes is now offering 4-6 on the coldest December on record, with 4-9 on a wintry flurry on Christmas Day.

Spokesman Alex Apati said: “Punters have already been paid plenty thanks to Jack Frost this month.

“Odds are suggesting more records will be broken between now and New Year.”