Many of us may be forced to turn the heating all the way up this week, with weather forecasters warning that a brutal Arctic deep freeze could send temperatures plunging to a bone-chilling -10C. Several yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office for today (December 7) and tomorrow, covering most of Scotland and parts of England and Wales.
But the latest weather maps show the UK turning icy blue over the course of the next two weeks which could send the mercury plunging well below freezing throughout the country. This Arctic blast will trigger widespread snow, with large parts of Britain covered, particularly towards the middle of December.
A Met Office weather forecast for Nottinghamshire has already anticipated frost to hit the county on Wednesday, December 7.
Brian Gaze from The Weather Outlook told Express.co.uk: "The combination of high pressure over Greenland and low pressure over Scandinavia will lead to very cold Arctic air being pulled southwards over the UK during the next few days. Unusually for the UK it looks as though the cold period will last a week or longer.
"Snow is possible anywhere, but in the short term the main risk is in the northern half of Scotland where up to 10cms could fall on Wednesday. A disturbance moving southwards during Thursday may bring a little snow even to parts of central and southern Britain.
"A key feature of this cold spell is likely to be very low temperatures. The combination of very short days, slack pressure patterns and the possibility of snow cover means that it is not out of the question that -20C will be recorded in the Scottish Glens during the next week.
"In the southern half of Britain temperatures will probably plunge to between -5C and -10C in some locations and in the Welsh valleys they may fall below -10C.
"Forecast details become much more uncertain next week, but some computer models are showing areas of low pressure starting to push up from the southwest.
"It is only one possible scenario being shown by computer models at the present time, but if it happens the chance of disruptive snow in the southern half of Britain will increase."
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Sherwin, said: "As the cold air pushes across the UK from the north temperatures will dip, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing in many places from mid-week onwards.
"However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells, particularly away from the coast.
"Showers will turn more wintry as the week goes on with a risk of snow at times. Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for ice and snow have been issued for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the east coast of the UK for Wednesday and Thursday.
"We can expect to see further snow and wintry showers as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or over higher ground. There will be widespread frosts with temperatures falling to as low as -10°C overnight in isolated spots by the end of the week."
Temperatures in Nottinghamshire could fall as low as -6C today, and the latest weather maps from WXCharts show temperatures could fall below freezing for much of the UK, particularly in Scotland and northern regions.
The mercury continues to plummet rapidly heading towards the weekend before lows of -11C are seen in northern Scotland on Sunday morning and only between -2C and -4C throughout England and Wales.
This Arctic freeze continues to have a firm hold over the UK during the early part of next week, with lows of -9C in Scotland on Monday, -2C in London and -3C across the rest Britain.
Nottingham City Council has issued a warning for residents amid the troubling weather conditions. Councillor Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “When cold weather strikes we’d ask everyone to look out for each other, especially older or vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives.
“Firstly, making sure they’re well. Are they keeping warm? Can they get out, or do their paths need to be cleared or salted? Can you run errands, help them shop online or just pop round for a chat and a cuppa? Small acts like these can make a big difference for everyone and help keep us all safe and well this winter."
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