Weather forecast LIVE – Exact date UK will be hit by snow revealed as Arctic blast sees BRUTAL -7C temperature plunge

BRITAIN is bracing for an “Arctic plunge” as a ten-day chill is set to sweep through the country from today.

Snow is forecast up and down the UK with the cold creeping in over the weekend which comes with lows of -7C.

Lows of -7C are expected later next week when ice and frost start to sweep across the country.

A 900-mile wide Arctic plunge will hit the country fromTuesday, with blankets of snow to hit Scotland first.

Read our weather live blog for the latest forecasts and updates…

  • Joseph Gamp

    Met Office forecast for tonight

    Further showers across the far southeast will be seen tonight.

    Cloudier skies bringing a scattering of mostly light showers to the north.

    Clear spells across central and southern areas, perhaps with a few fog patches forming.

  • Joseph Gamp

    UK ODDS-ON for White Christmas

    Ladbrokes says it's now odds-on that any part of the UK wakes to a White Christmas.

    The bookies now make it just 10/11 for snow to fall in the UK on Christmas Day, with Edinburgh being the most likely city at 3/1.

    Elsewhere, 6/1 says London wakes up to the white stuff on December 25th.

    Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "It's looking increasingly that White Christmas punters will get their wish with temperatures already starting to tumble and snow on the way."

  • Joseph Gamp

    Settled start to the week, says Met Office

    The Met Office says high pressure has resulted in a "settled start" to the week.

    The weather agency tweeted: "However, low pressure systems will move down from the northwest bringing bouts of increasingly #cold air later in the week

    "Very #windy weather may develop by Friday, with potentially damaging #winds in places."

  • Milica Cosic

    Be better prepared for flooding

    The Environmental Agency have shared their five tips regarding what you can do to be better prepared for a flood.

    Make sure you follow this advice to protect your home and family.

    Don't get caught out.

  • Milica Cosic

    Advice for driving in snow

    Driving in the snow is something that should always be avoided if possible. However, on occasions where it’s unavoidable, Halfords Motoring Director, Richard Bruce, shares advice on how to stay safe on the frosty roads.

    “Before starting off, drivers should make sure that they’ve checked the weather forecast, informed others of where they’re going (in case of an emergency), and that their car boot is equipped with a winter essentials kit. 

    “Winter driving essentials include the likes of blankets, a torch and car first aid kit, snow shovel, jump leads/tow rope, emergency warning triangle, hi-vis clothing, snow chains/snow socks, sat nav/digital radio, mobile phone and hands-free kit and plenty of fuel. Having these items in the boot will ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. 

    “Next, wipe down the roof, windows, lights and registration plates before setting off. Once it’s time to go, pull away in second gear and ease off the clutch gently – this gives the car more grip and makes it much easier to get going when there is snow on the road.

    “Something to be wary of in snow and icy weather is skidding, which is much more common in these conditions. Try not to break suddenly or turn too harshly as this may cause the car to skid. If it does happen, drivers should take their feet off the pedal and steer into the skid to correct the trajectory of the car. 

    “Another thing to keep in mind whilst driving in the snow is stopping distance and braking. It can take 10 times as long to stop in the snow, so leave plenty of room and begin to brake well in advance."

  • Milica Cosic

    Driving in cold weather

    With the weather set to plummet this week, Halfords Motoring Director, Richard Bruce shares his advice on how to prepare vehicles for winter weather.

    Richard said: “Before starting a journey, the first check should always be your petrol levels as no one wants to be left stranded in the freezing cold! If your tank is running low, make sure you know exactly where you can fill up on the way to avoid getting stuck.

    “You should also make sure to check your wipers and lights for signs of wear and tear or malfunction before you set off. Any damage to them will affect the car’s performance, and hinder the safety of anyone in the car for the duration of your journey.

    “Colder weather can impact battery health, so it’s always a good idea to get yours checked when the winter months roll around. Halfords’ Free Battery Health Check will inform you of your battery’s key health indicators, including its charging and ‘cranking’ capabilities, so you can leave the check with the reassurance that yours is in good working order.

    “Tyres are another part of the car that can be impacted by the cold weather,  so give yours a good check to make sure they are well inflated with good tread. The minimum tread depth is 1.6mm and as well as being a safety risk  you could incur a hefty fine if they don’t meet the minimum requirements."

  • Milica Cosic

    The most vulnerable car parts on your vehicle (Continued…)

    Grilles – these are at the front of your bonnet, and one of the first things to be damaged in the event of a front impact collision. They are vital for regulating air flow throughout the engine so must be fixed urgently in the event of a crash. 

    Bonnet and boot – Similar to a grille, a crumpled bonnet must also be replaced as soon as possible. The damage might be so extensive that an entire replacement part is needed from a similar vehicle or from the vehicle manufacturer.

    Tail lights and headlights – you can be stopped by the police and penalised for having faulty lights and being at the corner of the vehicle, they are a vulnerable feature of cars. You can be fined £100 for faulty headlight, rising to £1,000 if you lose a challenge in court.

    Windscreen – Always get damaged windscreens repaired as soon as possible.

  • Milica Cosic

    The most vulnerable car parts on your vehicle

    With the cold looming, it's important that you look after your vehicle – even if you use it just for the school run.

    The average UK motorist clocks up 7,400 miles a year – but what are the parts of your car most likely to get damaged along the way?

    LeaseCar.uk have researched online search data to find which are the most likely car parts that need replacing, whether through a collision or accidental damage. Failure to repair damaged headlights could result in a £1,000 fine.

    Wheel well frame – Can be susceptible to front and side impact accidents.

    Front and rear bumper – Always slow down to prevent tail gating and ensuring there is an extra ‘safety bubble’ between you and the vehicle behind.

    Alloy wheels – Often motorists do not address the damage but it is always important to get them checked out to stop further deterioration of the wheels and to check for any other hidden damage.

  • Milica Cosic

    Odds slashed on coldest December

    Bookmaker Coral has slashed the odds on next month being the UK's coldest December since records began to just 5-4 (from 3-1) as forecasts warn of an abrupt end to the unseasonably warm autumn.

    "The autumn sunshine won't last much longer and we are headed for a freezing December, so much so that we have slashed the odds on it entering the record books as our coldest ever," said Coral's Harry Aitkenhead.

    Coral are taking bets on a White Christmas, with Aberdeen the most likely of all major UK cities for snow on the big day at odds of 5-2.

  • Milica Cosic

    A wetter-than-normal winter, experts say

    The UK could be hit by a wetter-than-normal winter, experts said, as households are urged to be prepared for the risk of flooding.

    A Met Office outlook shows there is an above-average chance of the winter being wetter than normal over the next three months, with the wetter conditions most likely in January and February next year.

    The Environment Agency is urging people to check their flood risk online, sign up for flood warnings and, if they are at risk, know what to do if flooding hits their home.

  • Milica Cosic

    Explained: Why are energy bills rising?

    Gas and electricity bills are on the rise after the energy price cap increased last month.

    This pushed the amount that suppliers can charge on default tariffs up from £1,138 to £1,277.

    But households have also been hit by the collapse of a string of energy suppliers.

    Many small providers have struggled to cope with rising energy costs and have shut down, reducing competition in the market and leaving customers in the hands of bigger players with more expensive tariffs.

  • Milica Cosic

    Explained: The costs of an electric blanket

    Most people use electric blankets by popping them under their sheets for a small amount of time to heat their bed before they get in it.

    According to research from Uswitch, they use 100 watts of energy for a double bed – costing 0.8p in total to run for 30 minutes.

    That means if you used it seven days a week for this length of time, it would cost you just 5.6p.

    Using an electric blanket instead of turning the heating up could also help you shave cash off your bill, Uswitch energy expert Sarah Broomfield said.

    “Using an electric blanket to warm the bed may mean you can turn the temperature of your thermostat down, as you will not need your bedroom to be so hot,” she said.

  • Milica Cosic

    BREAKING: Bulb on brink of collapse

    Britain's seventh biggest energy supplier, Bulb, is facing collapse within days amid government talks with the creditor.

    Talks of a solvent rescue deal for Bulb have faded.

    The demise of Bulb may put around 1000 people who work for them at risk of losing their job.

  • Milica Cosic

    Check your boiler

    An estimated 100,000 homes may need vital boiler checks, repairs and maintenance over the next two weeks, British Gas has estimated.

    The firm says the next few weeks will be crucial as Jack Frost comes to visit.

    Joanna Flowers, a British Gas service and repair engineer, said: “The next couple of weeks could be the first test for many households’ heating systems this year.

    “We know that having no heating or hot water is people’s worst winter nightmare in the home, so rather wait for the cold weather to set in before finding out something’s not working as it should be, we’re advising households to prepare now. 

    “Looking after your boiler is key, as well as making a few small changes around the home to ensure the rest of your heating and hot water system is working effectively and efficiently. And remember, a heating system that’s in good shape also won’t use more energy than it needs – which will help keep your bills down."

  • Milica Cosic

    Chaos for commuters

    There are fears the sudden dip in temperature could cause chaos for commuters – because the UK is facing a shortage of HGV drivers to spread salt.

    Highways chiefs are scrambling to recruit more drivers to keep motorists safe as officials warn major gritting routes could be axed.

    Meanwhile, in a worrying double whammy, there's less grit in stock than in previous winters.

  • Milica Cosic

    Good weather patterns

    Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: “I couldn't imagine a better weather pattern for cold weather fans, with forecast models showing a northerly straight from the Arctic next week.

    “It turns much colder from the north later in the weekend. From Sunday, rain is likely in the north, with some snow across higher ground, possibly reaching low levels at times.

    “Further south looks to have fewer showers, but with a slight chance of wintry weather, and chilly nights with frost in places.”

  • Milica Cosic

    Winter well and truly under way

    Winter is well and truly on the way after an unusually balmy autumn.

    James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, told the Express: “Cold conditions in the coming days will pave the way for a number of widespread snow events from the last week of November into the start of December.

    "During this period, it is going to turn markedly colder, and with a drop in solar activity, we are looking at a potential mini ice age winter.”

  • Milica Cosic

    Friday is snow day

    By Friday, forecasters at WX Charts say people living as far south at the West Midlands may be hit by up to six centimetres of snow.

    There's a 70 per cent chance of powder in Birmingham by the weekend.

    Those in the north, including people living in Manchester and York, can also expect to see snow by the end of next week.

    And people living in Wales could get 10cm drifts.

  • Milica Cosic

    Up to 9ins of snow to hit this week

    NINE inches of snow will fall within just days – and Brits are set to shiver amid a -7C Arctic blast that will go on until December.

    The mercury will plummet "significantly" by Thursday, with no respite from the chill until at least the beginning of next month.

    Snow has already arrived in the Highlands, and forecasters predict that a whopping 24cm of the white stuff – 9.4in – will fall next week.

    However, the polar plunge will also force the chill downwards in the coming days – and even those in London could see a dusting.

  • Milica Cosic

    Explained: How to remove snow from the roof yourself

    If you want to remove the snow yourself, instead of calling a professional, the experts at Roofing Megastore provided the following tips:

    1. The best way to get rid of snow on your roof is with a snow rake, which can be used to drag snow off the roof from ground level – far safer than working at height.

    2. If you don’t have a snow rake, do not use metal tools, as these can damage roofing materials.

    3. Work your way down from the roof ridge (the highest point), leaving a few inches of snow instead of scraping your roof clean to minimise the risk of damage.

    4. Be careful where you move the snow, do not drop any in front of doorways, and don’t pile snow anywhere on the roof, even if you’re going to remove it later.

    5. Lastly, only remove snow from your roof when it’s safe for you to do so. You always have the option to call a professional, or simply wait for the snow to melt.

  • Louis Allwood

    It's going to get colder

    Cooler temperatures will develop next week, as pressure builds in the south of Iceland.

    And a "secondary push of colder Icelandic air" is then expected to arrive towards the end of the week, "further dropping temperatures".

    According to WXCharts, up to 24cm of snow could fall across north western parts of Scotland over the weekend of November 28.

    On Friday 26, snow depth maps suggest Wales could see 10cm of snow while the Midlands could get 6cm.

  • Louis Allwood

    Arctic chill

    Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: “I couldn't imagine a better weather pattern for cold weather fans, with forecast models showing a northerly straight from the Arctic next week.

    “It turns much colder from the north later in the weekend. From Sunday, rain is likely in the North, with some snow across higher ground, possibly reaching low levels at times.

    “Further south looks to have fewer showers, but with a slight chance of wintry weather, and chilly nights with frost in places.”

  • Louis Allwood

    How to remove snow from the roof yourself

    If you want to remove the snow yourself, instead of calling a professional, the experts at Roofing Megastore provided the following tips:

    1. The best way to get rid of snow on your roof is with a snow rake, which can be used to drag snow off the roof from ground level – far safer than working at height.

    2. If you don’t have a snow rake, do not use metal tools, as these can damage roofing materials.

    3. Work your way down from the roof ridge (the highest point), leaving a few inches of snow instead of scraping your roof clean to minimise the risk of damage.

    4. Be careful where you move the snow, do not drop any in front of doorways, and don’t pile snow anywhere on the roof, even if you’re going to remove it later.

    5. Lastly, only remove snow from your roof when it’s safe for you to do so. You always have the option to call a professional, or simply wait for the snow to melt.

  • Louis Allwood

    AA advise to plan ahead before you travel

    AA spokesman Tony Rich told the Sun: “Before setting off, it’s important to fully de-ice the car which includes clearing snow from the windows, lights and roof so you can see and be seen.

    “It’s also worth having winter essentials in the car such as warm, waterproof layers, a shovel, a torch, fully charged mobile phone and a flask of hot drink.

    “If you must travel, reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles.

    “Allow extra time, as it’s likely your journey will take longer than usual, and ensure you have plenty of fuel/electric charge if you’re driving an EV (Electric Vehicle).”

  • Louis Allwood

    Snow can be bad especially in large quantities

    With temperatures due to plummet and heavy snow forecast starting from next week, experts at Roofing Megastore have warned against how the snow can damage your property if it is not cleared correctly from your roof.

    • Sagging ceiling boards: A ceiling sagging under the pressure of weight above is a sure sign your roof is carrying more than it can handle. Outside of heavy snow fall, this could indicate the beams are old and need replacing, or that they’re suffering from rot.
    • Strange noises: If you hear strange noises coming from above, particularly creaking, this could mean that the beams and rafters in your roof space are under excessive pressure, and may be starting to get damaged. Pay close attention and look out for cracks or other obvious signs of wear.

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