Woollies on – snow and gales are storming in

WIDESPREAD snow could fall as far south as the Chilterns when Arctic weather sweeps across Britain tomorrow night.

Forecasters say snow is expected in hilly areas across northern England and North Wales.

But wet snow, which is unlikely to settle, could also be found further south into Saturday morning. There is a chance that the first widespread spell of wintry weather could be followed by another band of snow and freezing rain late on Sunday.

The bitingly cold conditions are expected to be accompanied by northerly gales of up to 80mph, initially in the West on Friday and moving East through Saturday.

Steven Keates, a Met Office spokesman, said: ‘On Saturday morning, I wouldn’t bet against a bit of wet snow falling in the higher parts of southern England, such as the Chilterns. In the Pennines and North Wales, there could be snow on high ground above 200300 metres (656-984ft).’

Away from hilltops, the snow is not forecast to accumulate, meaning it is not expected to cause disruption. But the gales are likely to lead to transport problems and could cause damage to buildings and temporary structures such as Christmas markets.

The Met Office said the wintry spell will be a ‘marked change from autumn so far’, with temperatures widely below average.

After mostly dry and bright weather today, overnight frosts are expected from tonight. Maximum daytime temperatures are due to fall from 10C (50F) to 7C (45F) in the North and 8C (46F) in the South on Saturday.

Many areas will be colder, with just 6C (43F) expected in SouthEast England, and 3C (37F) forecast in the Peak District.

The next ten days are due to remain cold with frosts in places, and gales and spells of rain.

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has slashed the odds on any part of the UK seeing snow on Christmas Day from 10/11 to 4/5.