Eastern ‘Beast’ to bring an icy blast to region
THE ‘Beast from the East’ was expected to bring freezing weather to Greater Manchester by the end of the week.
Forecasters had said mild temperatures with long sunny spells and dry conditions were expected to continue into Friday, but the peaceful period was not expected to last long as an icy blast from Siberia reached the region.
By the weekend temperatures are expected to plummet to well below normal for this time of year and weather experts said the chilly weather could carry on into early March.
High pressure centred over Scandinavia and north-east Europe is going to dominate the weather pattern, bringing bitterly cold air over from Siberia.
The mercury is expected to plunge to between 2-6C below average for western and central Europe but a massive 6 to 13C below normal for eastern Europe.
According to the Met Office, the cooler temperatures would start to take a grip on Thursday evening with low of -4C predicted for overnight.
The conditions would then become even chillier from Saturday, with widespread frosts and bitter wind persisting during the day.
There is a risk of the odd snow flurry on Sunday, particularly in areas over higher ground.
On Monday there could be scattered and possibly some heavy snow showers in some parts of the region.
Eleanor Bell, principal meteorologist at The Weather Channel, said it would start to feel much chillier with temperatures declining as the easterly winds take control.
She said: “This cold pattern is expected to continue next week with temperatures widely well below normal,
“The coldest spell is currently expected between February 26 and March 4,
“Temperatures next week are expected to drop between 4C and 6C below the seasonal norm for Britain.”
The Met Office’s Greater Manchester forecast for the next few days are: ●●FRIDAY:
It will be another dry and bright day with some long periods of sunny spells.
The strengthening southeasterly wind will make it feel rather cold, with afternoon temperatures a degree down on Thursday’s. Maximum temperature 6C.
●●SATURDAY:
The temperatures will become even colder with widespread frosts and bitter by the day. There will be a marked windchill.
●●SUNDAY AND MONDAY:
There is the risk of the odd wintry flurry on Sunday.
On Monday there could be scattered and possibly some heavy snow showers.