BIG PROBLEMS: The British Weather Service has warned of trouble to Britain's travellers as the festive season approaches [GETTY]
The cold snap, which could see temperatures as low as -10C, threatens travel
misery for millions as they head home for the festive period.
misery for millions as they head home for the festive period.
The Met Office said there was an increasing risk of snow and frost by mid-December across the UK.
Snow and ice from just before Christmas to late January are being forecast by British Weather Services, the longest-established independent UK forecaster.
He added that -5C lows are “without question” – with -10C chills expected in rural parts of England and Scotland. Bookies Ladbrokes’ have slashed odds on a white Christmas to 5/1 in London, 9/2 in Manchester and 7/2 in Glasgow.“We expect to see a clash between Atlantic weather and cold high pressure – and that can cause big problems”Jim Dale, of British Weather Services
Brits risk a second successive Christmas of travel chaos. Last year storms left thousands stranded and 50,000 homes without power, before further floods and travel misery on December 26 and 27 and December 30 and 31.
Jim Dale, of British Weather Services, which supplies forecasts to insurers, loss adjusters, logistics, businesses and bookmakers, said: “In the run-up to Christmas, and particularly during the Christmas period and afterwards, we expect to see a clash between Atlantic weather and cold high pressure – and that can cause big problems.
“It would be a mix of snow, frost, ice and fog. There are bound to be impacts, with the risk reducing by February.
“We expect mornings with the majority of places down to -4C and -5C without question, and more exposed areas in England and Scotland are at risk of seeing -10C.”
The Met Office told us: “In December patchy frost may be more likely across northern areas where there is also a chance of some snow on higher ground.”
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