UK weather forecasters have signalled that the dreaded 'Beast from the East' could return this winter as snow looks likely to come in time for Christmas.
Signs of cold weather drivers emerging over Russia appear to have strengthened in recent weeks, says meteorologist Jim Dale from British Weather Services, increasing the chance of a cold snap in December.
High pressure over Europe is expected to move towards Britain around the start of the month, pulling winds in from the east. This development will mark the 'transition zone' into a period of prolonged cold weather, he says, which could last through the festive season.