Forecasters predict plummeting temperatures, snow showers and icy conditions until the weekend
The UK's delayed winter continues to play the "will it, won't it" game, with forecasts predicting plummeting temperatures in the next few days followed by milder weather over the weekend.
The country may face its longest spell of cold conditions from Tuesday night until Saturday, with a low of -6C (21.2F) expected overnight and early on Wednesday morning, possibly going down to -8C before the pattern shifts.
Emergency services, hospitals and gritting teams are on maximum alert, with the Meteorological Office abandoning its recent even-handed caution to predict "a 100% probability of severe conditions across most of England this week".
Daytime temperatures are not expected to rise beyond 3C anywhere on Wednesday and Thursday, falling to at least -2C after dark.
The colder spell follows the stalling of bands of rain from the Atlantic and the west. An area of high pressure over Scandinavia and western Russia has chilled them and started to push them back on easterly winds.
Clare Allen, forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: "The easterlies are bringing snow showers off the North Sea, and even London is likely to have a maximum temperature no higher than 4C, so it's going to be pretty cold."
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for ice, which are likely to stay in force until Saturday. Allen said: "If people aren't careful driving, then it could cause disruption. Anywhere that is wet, ice is expected to form."
The Met Office predicts that the struggle between the warmer Atlantic fronts and the easterlies will continue for up to a fortnight, bringing the possibility of regular snow showers on higher ground. The pattern may set in for the whole of February and early March, with above average rainfall also expected.
The country has reacted in its traditional way by shopping for cold weather equipment at the last minute.
The department store Debenhams has reported a 165% rise in sales of electric blankets with highest tog duvets up by 40%, thermal underwear 17% and slippers 49%. Like the forecasters over the winter so far, consumers are however backing both horses. The store has also recorded an 18% rise in demand for bikinis and swimwear.
A Department of Health spokesman appealed to people to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours. He said: "During this period of cold weather we would advise people to check local weather forecasts for the latest information on weather conditions and staying safe when outdoors.
"We are working closely with the NHS and local authorities to ensure vulnerable people stay well during cold weather and get the help they need within their communities."
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jan/31/cold-winter-weather-forecast-temperatures
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