Arctic blizzards caused by a -12C winter storm threaten widespread snow, prompting officials to issue the season’s first winter health alert.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a ‘cold-health notice’ for northern England for the next eight days, with temperatures anticipated to drop to -10 degrees Celsius.
Bitter gusts will make it feel close to -12C in some areas, putting the elderly and people with health problems at risk.
Snow is expected in Scotland and northern England, however, contrary to previous predictions, the south may also get flurries this week.
James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, said: “A significant area of low pressure looks likely to cross the country around the middle of the week, and this could lead to some potentially heavy snow.
“Weather models are changing, so it is something we are keeping our eyes on, but on current indications, there is still the possibility of snow becoming more widespread over the coming days, although northern regions look to be the most at risk.
“This will be the result of a storm system coming in from the west hitting colder air that is already in place over the UK, and with the risk of winds, there could be some blizzard conditions.”
Although the storm is expected to end before the weekend, settling snow may trigger disruption, he added.
As temperatures plummet, bookies have slashed the odds on a flurry of festive snow on Christmas day.
Ladbrokes is now offering 10/11 for a White Christmas anywhere in the UK with Newcastle at 2/1; Manchester 4/1; and London at 8/1.