Booze proves cold comfort

Bitter wind from Scandinavia will put end to mild November run

PEOPLE living in cold climates are more likely to be heavy drinkers, a study suggests.

The research established a link between average temperature, daylight hours and binge drinking.

Ramon Bataller, of Pittsburgh Liver Research, said: “In areas with less sun, you have more drinking and more alcoholic cirrhosis.”

Drinking is also linked to depression, which tends to be more prevalent when sunlight is scarce.

A MINI Beast from the East will deliver snow, sleet and shivers this week to end our run of unseasonably mild November weather.

Temperatures will struggle to top 8C to 9C in many areas in the coming days as bitterly cold air from Scandinavia sweeps in over the North Sea.

And the wind chill effect could make it feel close to freezing along the eastern coast. Forecasters say, however, warmer air coming from the south will give us a little relief next weekend.

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: “We have been used to temperatures of up to the mid and high teens across much of the UK this November so far. We are likely to see temperatures really struggling of 8C or 9C, at the very best, as we go through the week. So there is a cold feel to come but nothing exceptional.

“As we go towards next weekend there are indications it may become less cold, maybe a bit wetter and windier.”

Ladbrokes have slashed the odds on the coming winter being the coldest in history from 4/1 to 6/4.

Spokesman Alex Apati said: “The Beast from the East is back and it looks like this winter could set new records.”

But forecasters said the outlook for the rest of the year is uncertain.

Mr Dewhurst added: “There is a fine balance as to whether we will stay with the cold weather or go milder again.

“I imagine it will be a bit of a mix. There is no strong evidence of anything prolonged and cold, at this stage anyway.”