Government forecasters have issued the first cold weather warning of the season, amid warnings this week of dangerous Arctic air spreading across the UK. Temperatures could drop to -15C in the Scottish Highlands for the weekend, with up to four inches of snow forecast for the region.
The British have been urged to ‘take action’ to prepare for the cold spell, which threatens to last until mid-December.
Jim Dale, a meteorologist for British Weather Services, said: “This is not about panic, but about being ready and prepared in the run-up to Christmas.
“It’s important to make sure you’re provisioned for the cold weather to avoid panic when it happens.
“This is especially important this close to Christmas and with other factors that can cause shelves to not be stocked very well during the cold spell.”
Freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall in parts later this week will lead to icy sidewalks and dangerous driving conditions, he warned.
He said: “There will be hazards in parts of the country in terms of snowfall and ice on the roads and sidewalks.
“This carries the risk of slipping and creates dangerous driving conditions.
“The key is to be prepared for when this happens and do things a little bit in advance.”
Northern Scotland is bracing for snowstorms on Wednesday to dump up to four inches of snow across the region
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning in Grampian, the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland, and Central Tayside and Fife.
Severe cold weather can hamper rail services and other travel networks while also causing road delays.
The elderly and frail have been warned to take extra care, while others have been urged to keep an eye on neighbors if the cold hits.
The Met Office, along with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), have issued a level three ‘action in severe weather’ alert that will remain in effect between Wednesday and early next week.
Dr. Agostinho Sousa, public health medicine consultant at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious health consequences, and the elderly and those with heart or lung conditions may be particularly at risk.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.”
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Sherwin added: “Temperatures will begin to drop this week, with daytime temperatures struggling to climb above freezing in many places from the middle of the week.
“However, the cold air from the Arctic also brings clearer conditions, with some dry, sunny spells in many areas, especially offshore.”
Keep-fitters with underlying health conditions are warned to take extra care in extreme cold.
Health and wellness coach Ryan French, founder of Military Outdoor Fitness (MOFit), based in London, Greenwich, said: “Exercising in cold weather, as in very hot weather, carries risks, so it’s important to prepare for prepare.
“This is especially true for people with asthma, as studies show that cold weather can increase bronchoconstriction — a narrowing of the airways.
“If you’re exercising outside in cold weather, make sure you have your inhaler handy.”
As temperatures plummet, bookies have once again lowered the chances of festive snow with Ladbrokes offering 11-10 from 6-4 on a white Christmas.
Spokesperson Alex Apati said: “White Christmas gamblers look poised to get their wish this year, given the last odds.”
Netweather meteorologist Nick Finnis warned that a “portion of the tropospheric polar vortex” will “drip south towards the UK and bring arctic air.”
He said: “Part of the tropospheric polar vortex will push south across Scandinavia and the Norwegian Sea from the Arctic before later passing through Britain. [this] week.
“The winds will turn to the north by mid-week and will bring colder air from the Arctic over all parts in the second half of the week.”
James Madden of Exacta Weather added: “As well as the snow, it will also be exceptionally cold and will see widespread frost across the country bringing ice issues/warnings in some places from midweek.
“This allows the fallen snow to persist in many places, while temperatures drop to -10C or lower in the coldest places.”
The last time Britain was hit by heavy snowfall in December was in 2010, which also saw the last widespread White Christmas.