An Arctic blast is on its way with bone-chilling temperatures and the snowiest period in 12 years, a forecaster has said.
While most of the UK looks set be denied a white Christmas, with temperatures predicted to be mild, the nation could be set to freeze in January as the mercury plungea to bone-chilling lows.
There are fears Britain could be heading to a bitterly cold and snowy period, similar to what we saw in 2018 with Beast from the East.
A cooling of the oceanic and atmospheric phenomenon known as 'La Nina' in the eastern Pacific has already been blamed for bizarre weather events across the world.
The weakening Atlantic pressure between Iceland and the tropical Azores could be driving this next cold spell.
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 predicts the third weekend of January to be the peak of the upcoming 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."
He added that a "sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event" could develop around mid-January.
It comes as thousands in South East England are still without water after freezing pipes caused a series of leaks.
Some homes have seen their water supply come and go, which the company said is because more leaks have appeared as it pumps water back into the system.
Bottled water stations have been opened but South East Water has been criticised for putting them too far away.
Dave Moore, who has lived in Crowborough for 10 years, said his water returned at 3am on Thursday after four-and-a-half days.
The 62-year-old sales manager said: "I'm going to work out the daily rate of what they're charging for that period of time and deduct four days - the service they haven't provided. Why would I pay them for not providing it?
"If enough people did that they would then feel a hit that's the equivalent to what people here had when they had to cancel Christmas with relatives. You wouldn't invite someone over if you haven't got any water."
Peter Jenkins, director of campaigns at Water UK, advised that the rise in temperature could cause burst pipes.
He said: “The recent freezing weather has been very disruptive to many people.
“The last thing we want is for people to experience further disruption as temperatures rise this weekend, putting many homes at risk of burst pipes due to freeze-thaw.
“That’s why we’re urging everyone to check their water pipes are well insulated now and to follow our simple tips to protect homes against weather conditions.
“If you’re concerned about the impact of freeze-thaw or the cold weather, we encourage you to get in touch with your water company for further help and advice."
Earlier this month, large swathes of the country were blanketed in several inches of snow, sparking transport chaos as temperatures fell as low as -17C.
Schools were shut and drivers were stranded on the motorways overnight. Thick snow and ice forced many flights to be cancelled and train lines experienced severe delays.
And 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.
It comes as the Met Office has said the Scottish Highlands is the only part of the UK likely to see a white Christmas.
