WRAP UP WARM!
Freezing cold ‘Siberian Express’ is roaring towards Britain
A FREEZING blast from the Russian Arctic dubbed the “Siberian Express” will plunge parts of Britain into the “coldest winter snap for years” this weekend.
Daytime temperatures across the country will lock at freezing or below through next week, forecasters warn.
Commuters are on alert for chaos on roads and transport networks as snow sweeps the UK from Sunday night.
Britain could stay trapped in the freezer until the middle of March putting spring on hold for a fortnight.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Brent Walker said: “Some parts of south-east England could have the first significant spell of snow so far this winter during next week.
“There is potential for this cold spell to be the coldest for several years in the South.”
Government forecasters predict snow to arrive from the East on Sunday night before widespread wintry showers set in.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “We expect the first signs of snow to appear on Sunday night but it will be during the second half of Monday that it will really become prominent.
“Showers will move further inland through Tuesday although most of the snow is expected to be in eastern and northern regions of the country.
Dip
“It is going to turn increasingly cold and there will be a strong breeze which will make it feel significantly colder.
“We will get to a point next week where daytime temperatures everywhere will be at freezing with even places which escape the worst of the cold lifting only just above 0C (32F).
“Temperatures will dip to -7C (19.5F) widely overnight although there will be a significant windchill which will knock that figure down even lower.”
Breakdown service Green Flag has urged motorists to check forecasts and make sure cars are winter-ready before setting off next week.
Spokesman Simon Henrick said: “The return of the cold weather and difficult road conditions may take some drivers by surprise.
“By thoroughly checking their cars before they leave home, and approaching the roads with caution, drivers will decrease the risk of encountering a problem on the roads this week.
“We expect 110,000 breakdowns will occur on Britain’s roads next week.”
Predictions of extreme cold weather have sparked a frenzy of bets on winter records tumbling, bookmakers say. Ladbrokes is offering 5-6 on next week bringing the coldest day in five years, with 5-2 on March ending up the chilliest ever.