Brits are bracing for a wintry storm dubbed the 'Troll of Trondheim' fuelling hope for a White Christmas.
The Norwegian blast will sweep across parts of the UK before the weekend bringing with it "arctic air" and "drastic conditions" with some set to freeze in -10C conditions this week.
The Scandinavian storm is increasing the chances of a flurry with parts of the country already gearing up for their first heavy bout of snow this winter - and it could stick around.
Forecasters suggest a spell of low pressure originating from Norway will see temperatures plunge as the first flurry of winter struck the Pennines this morning.
It comes as the Met Office issued weather warnings for England's coast and areas in the Midlands, Wales, and also parts of Scotland.
The worst of the weather could hit between December 10 and 15, it has been suggested.
But it appears we shouldn't give up hope for a White Christmas.
“The outlook is hinting at a return to regular temperatures in the south towards the end of December," Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon told the Mirror.
“In northern areas we could see the wintry weather hold on. There’s a bit of a north-south split, but snow is very difficult to predict weeks in advance as it needs specific conditions.”
Jim Dale, a meteorologist for British Weather Services, said: “The run-up to Christmas now shows the best scenario for a widespread White Christmas since 2010/11.
“We are in a situation where it is going to start turning increasingly colder as air moves in first from the east, then the northeast, and potentially, depending on how synoptic patterns develop, the east.
“Currently, we expect northerlies from Scandinavia and the Arctic to bring much colder conditions through the start of December, and the potential for snow.”
Alex Burkill, a senior meteorologist at the Met Office, warns that Brits should be prepared for a "real drop" in temperatures.
A level three - also known as amber - cold weather alert has already been issued between 6pm on Wednesday and 9am on Monday.
Mr Burkill said: "We're going to see a real drop in temperature as cold arctic air plunges across the UK leading to drastic conditions.
"There is an incoming brisk easterly wind and by Tuesday even colder winds will come from a northerly direction, making it even colder."
A yellow snow warning is also in place for the north of Scotland on Wednesday.
And while Mr Burkill said there is a lesser chance of snow in the south, the temperature could still be well below freezing.
He said: "By the weekend it could be negative double figures. Vulnerable people need to be looked after and everyone needs to ensure anyone they know who is vulnerable will be alerted.
"So far this year, every month has been milder than usual but these temperatures are not what people want in a cost of living crisis."
It is also feared that a rapid drop in temperature could be the first real test of Britain's power reserves.
Bookies have begun slashing the odds on a white Christmas days before the biting chill arrives.
Ladbrokes are now offering 6-4 on snowfall anywhere in Britain on December 25.
Coral now makes it as short as 1-3 that there will be a White Christmas in the UK this year.
"Those dreaming of a White Christmas can be very hopeful that they will see snow on this big day this year," said the bookies' John Hill.
"The major Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow are most likely to have a White Christmas, but we are also seeing strong support for Manchester and London in England."
But the Met Office's long-range forecast read seems to cast doubt on the south of England seeing the white stuff on Christmas Day.
"The second half of December remains uncertain, but there are hints of a return to nearer normal temperatures," they state.
"This would be associated with spells of more unsettled weather, especially for the south, and a reducing risk of wintry hazards overall, although periods of severe weather are still possible. Northern areas are likely to hold onto the colder conditions for longest."
Downing Street on Monday said it was confident the UK has sufficient energy supplies to get through the cold snap.
