SNOW showers are hitting Britain today after a bitter chill saw temperatures drop as low as minus 7C last night.
THE first snow of the winter has fallen on London and the south east of the country today and up to 2cm of the white stuff could cover the south-east by tonight as sleet and snow flurries batter the country.
More snow is expected tomorrow with the central and eastern areas of the UK set to be hit hardest by up to 15cms.
The snow has raised fears of widespread transport disruption later in the week, with employers urged to brace themselves for lost productivity on Friday if people cannot get to work.
The showers will continue into the weekend, say forecasters.
A Met Office spokesman said: "It's definitely time to dig out the scarf, hat and gloves and motorists should take care as it is going to feel very cold this week.
"It is a stark reminder that we're now in the middle of December and winter has arrived."
A Met Office weather warning for heavy snow is in place for eastern areas tomorrow and south-eastern parts of Britain on Friday with the whole country expected to see snow by Saturday night.
Forecaster Paul Mott added: "There could be up to ten or 15cms of snow. It's looking bitterly cold for at least a week. From Christmas Eve onwards, it is likely to remain unsettled and wintry in most northern areas with further outbreaks of rain, sleet or snow.
"Further south, cloud and rain seems likely to spread northwards, but quite probably preceded by a spell of snow in places."
But he added that it was too early to predict whether it will be a white Christmas.
A Ladbrokes spokesman said the odds on snow falling in London had shortened from 11/4 to 5/2 - close to the record price ever offered in England of 6/4.
Last night Charlwood in West Sussex was the coldest spot in the UK with the mercury dropping to -7.4C.
Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said a plan was already in place to ensure that the roads network remains open over the festive season with local councils being urged to stockpile enough gritting salt for at least six days.
......................................................................................................
No comments:
Post a Comment