Three festive ‘weather beasts’ to blast Britain as Pest from West to bring -10C freeze
A string of warnings have been issued as a third weather front threatens to send temperatures plunging across the UK.
Snow and ice is expected to affect parts of the country over the coming weeks, with travel likely to be disrupted.
Meteorologists are assessing which of the “three beasts” will hit Britain, with the ‘Troll from Trondheim’ set to bring cold arctic winds this week.
READ MORE: Met Office warns of up to 15cm of snow as Troll of Trondheim launches Arctic blast in UK
Forecasters also have an eye on the ‘Beast from the East’, but are also monitoring the ‘Pest from the West’ – a low-pressure system in the Atlantic that could bring snow and blizzards to southern and westerly regions.
With frosty conditions already in place, there are warnings that temperatures could plunge as low as -10C.
(Image: PA)
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, said: “There are three beasts that we are keeping our eyes on now, the Beast from the East, which is still slumbering across Russia, the Troll from Trondheim which will bring northerly winds to the UK this week and the Pest from the West.
“The pest is a low-pressure system in the Atlantic, and if it moves towards Britain, where we have cold air in situ, it could bring snow and here we would be talking of blizzards, perhaps to southern and western regions.”
The current threat is from a northerly blast sweeping down through Scandinavia and the Norwegian Trondheim Fjords.
He said: “We have seen a bit of an easterly, but now we are looking at a proper northerly plunge.
(Image: PA)
For the latest weather updates and breaking news stories from the UK and across the globe, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
“We could see overnight temperatures in the Highlands and glens of Scotland dipping to -10C, and there will be a risk of frost through the week.
“Towards the end of the week, snow is likely over north Scotland, although the south-west low might affect the southern counties.”
As Britons speculate over whether a blanket of festive snow will smother the nation, Mr Dale said it is still early to be sure.
“This is a different story, and it is one that is still unfolding,” he said.
(Image: Getty Images)
“However, as things are shaping up, this year is the most likely to get a proper, universal White Christmas since the big freeze of 2010.”
As temperatures plummet, the Met Office has added a raft of ice warnings across the country extending into today (December 8).
Wales, Northern Ireland, and the east coast of England have all been warned to prepare for icy roads and pavements, injuries from slips and falls and travel delays.
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “We replace the easterly winds that we have seen over the last few days with northerlies. Those northerlies will bring snow for some but for many, it is going to be colder but brighter.”
READ NEXT: