Be ready for ‘Beast from the East’

UK faces double whammy of winter weather with Storm Doris set to bring 80mph winds before big freeze sets in

Some forecast models show a very cold ‘Beast from the East’ later next week

Scotland faces a double dose of winter weather tomorrow with the tail end of an 800-mile-wide tempest set to become Storm Doris.

It will be followed by the “Beast from the East” freeze which threatens snow next week due to a -30C (-22F) chill from Russia.

The Met Office said it was “likely” to name the incoming Atlantic torment as Storm Doris, the fourth storm of the winter season.

It is expected to have more impact in England with warnings of blackouts and falling trees disrupting roads and rail lines.

Scotland is due lower 50mph gusts from Doris.

But the later icy blast is shown on forecast maps pushing towards Scotland from next midweek to next weekend with -10C to -30C high-altitude temperatures in the air plume.

The Met Office warned of colder conditions arriving from the east from midweek, with the snow threat highest in this country.

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: “Friday’s storm is likely to be named.

“Very strong wind gusts of 60mph to perhaps 80mph locally are expected in the warning area in England right through Friday. The storm is currently moving across the Atlantic from just south of Newfoundland.

“There are likely to be power outages, with trees down and transport disruption.

“It stays wet and windy through the weekend, with another low pressure system on Sunday in the south, and into next week.”

The forecaster continued: “From next Thursday to next weekend has the risk of colder spells, with forecast models showing easterly air, although confidence is low and this is expected to be part of a generally changeable weather pattern. There is an increased risk of snow and colder temperatures.

“Cold easterly winds from the Continent can produce snow if the cold air bumps into mild air.”

Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: “Some forecast models show a very cold ‘Beast from the East’ later next week, bringing a freeze and risk of widespread snow.

“Forecast maps show massive areas of bitterly cold air moving from the east.

“Other data favours a less cold scenario. So keep your sledge close by.”

Picture: AP Severe weather could bring snow to Scotland from next Thursday to next weekend. Parts of continental Europe have been enduring freezing temperatures, including the Belarusian town of Novogrudok, right, 93 miles west of the capital Minsk.