Christmas is just days away and we, like millions of others, are counting down the hours before Santa is set to arrive.
Whilst thoughts turn to Father Christmas or food, many are also wondering what kind of weather we're set to face this festive season.
And it seems as though the UK will be seeing more snow with the country set to see the "snowiest period in 12 years" with an arctic blast set to hit just after the big day. This means that heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures after Christmas is on the way, according to the Express.
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Forecasters have warned that the country could see a drop in temperature again with low of -11C thanks to winter blast blowing in from the Arctic.
Long-range forecasters blame complex meteorological events on the other side of the world unfolding in a similar pattern to the drivers behind the brutal 2018 Beast from the East.
James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, told GB news: “Temperatures will drop in the run up to Christmas and this could bring the risk of snow to parts of the country, some of which may fall to lower levels.
“The rest of December and January are showing signs of frequent spells of cold wintry weather with below-average temperatures and numerous wintry blasts. We could now be looking at a lengthy cold period setting in for a number of weeks and the potential for some of the coldest and snowiest weather since December 2010.”
The cold snap could happen around Boxing day and last until mid-January. The peak is expected around January 14 and 15 which falls during the weekend, according to Madden.
He continued: "The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is changing to a negative phase, and this could boost the drivers of sustained cold weather. In addition, we could also see a quite major cold spell from a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event developing around mid-January.
“This much colder weather may also be influenced by La Nina which could affect atmospheric circulation and blocking patterns, pressure systems, and most importantly, the run of the jet-stream from early December and January.”
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, added: “It will stay mild, particularly in the south, before another front moves through from the north bringing colder air into Britain.
“The timing of this is still uncertain and depends on the development of low pressure to the west and high pressure to the east of the country. However, it will turn colder from the north through the Christmas period as Polar air moves across the country.”
According to the Met Office, snow is possible into mid-January and they also also warned of frequent cold spells through the coming weeks.
A spokesman told GB news: “Confidence is relatively low during early and mid-January. Temperatures are most likely to be around average, though there is a greater likelihood of cold spells compared to normal.
“Snow remains possible at times, most likely over hills in the north but could fall to lower levels at times.”
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