The UK is set for an Arctic blast sparking the 'snowiest period in 12 years' lasting a month, according to forecasters. They have also predicted that Britain could be set to freeze in January, reports the Mirror.
Most of the nation is set to avoid a white Christmas, with temperatures predicted to be mild on December 25. However, it could be all change next month, with bone-chilling lows tipped for the start of 2023.
Many fear that the UK could be heading into a bitterly cold and snowy period, similar to the Beast from the East back in 2018. A cooling of the oceanic and atmospheric phenomenon known as 'La Nina' in the eastern Pacific has already been blamed for bizarre weather occurrences across the world.
The weakening Atlantic pressure between Iceland and the tropical Azores could be the driving force behind the next cold snap. And if the Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) causes air high above the North Pole to collapse, pushing the Arctic air into Northern Europe, we could see a repeat of the Beast from the East.
James Madden, the 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.” Mr Madden has tipped the third weekend of January to be the peak of the forthcoming wintry blast.
He said: "The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is changing to a negative phase, and this could boost the drivers of sustained cold weather." Mr Madden added that an SSW event could develop around mid-January.
Earlier this month, large regions of the UK were covered in several inches of snow, sparking transport chaos as temperatures fell as low as -17C. The fall out from this cold snap, saw schools shut and drivers being stranded on the motorways overnight.
Thick snow and ice forced also forced many flights to be cancelled and train lines experienced severe delays. However, some forecasters predict this isn't the last of the snow Brits will see.
One has said Brits will see some of the "coldest and snowiest" weather for 12 years. This predictions comes as the Met Office has said the Scottish Highlands is the only part of the UK likely to see a white Christmas.
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