Yahoo News UK weather: Snow expected to hit Britain as Arctic front drifts in this week
Britain is bracing itself for a spell of prolonged cold weather which is expected to bring with it snow and wintry showers.
After the chaos last year's Beast from the East, it will be of some concern that the conditions for the end of January could potentially be coming from the same region.
With Arctic weather fronts drifting in from the north this week, a mild start is expected to give way to ice, wind and rain.
And the rain could turn to "a few centimetres" of snow almost anywhere, particularly across northern and central areas, the Met Office warned.
The cold snap, which could last into February, is expected to send temperatures in some parts of the country below freezing.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Martin Young said: “The latest forecast suggests the highest risk of any severe wintry weather is from late January and into February.
"Whether cold spells will be brought about by Arctic air arriving from the north or easterly flows arriving from the continent remains uncertain.
“However, before this happens we expect a rather changeable and relatively mild spell early this week, with some rain for most of us.
“From the middle of this week, and especially during the last week of January and into early February, there is an increased likelihood of cold weather becoming established across all of the UK.
"This would bring an enhanced risk of snow and widespread frost almost anywhere across the UK, but particularly across northern parts.
"However, the cold weather may not affect the whole of the UK and it is still possible that some milder and wetter interludes will intersperse this generally cold period, especially in the south."
The Met Office outlook for the end of January and into early February is an increased likelihood of cold weather being established with temperatures continuing a downward trend to become cold or very cold.
This would bring a greater risk of snow, ice and widespread frost, particularly across northern parts of the country, forecasters warned.
However, there remains uncertainty over the extent of the cold weather and how long it will last, and it is still possible that some milder and wetter interludes will intersperse this generally cold period, especially in the south.
