Snow and freezing temps as 'Beast from the East' hits Britain

PA

There could be travel chaos ahead as the Beast from the East is hit Britain today - with snow and freezing temperatures of up to -8C expected.

The cold front will bring rain, sleet and snow across many parts of the country, and could bring the nippiest snap of winter this year, according to the Mirror.

Sarah Holland from the Met Office told Aol Travel: "There are a couple of cold days ahead.

"The next couple of days are going to be sunny, cold and dry for many. However there is the risk of showers down the eastern side of the country – these will be wintery at times over higher ground.

"Tonight (Moday) we could see 5cm of snow over higher ground in the north such as the North York moors and there could possibly be a dusting over East Anglia tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. We are looking at temperatures below freezing quite widely; -1C or -2C in London, -3C in Manchester – it will be colder in more rural areas.

"Tuesday will see some freezing fog in places that could be slow to clear. Elsewhere it will be another dry, sunny day with showers drying out. Highs of 3 degrees or 4 tops. Another cold night on Tuesday and freezing fog again on Wednesday with the risk of wintry showers."

But there appeared to be some good news, too. Sarah added: "As we head into Thursday a front pushes in from the west bringing milder, wetter air."

Experts have warned road users to be very wary of freezing fog.

According to the Daily Telegraph, a Met Office spokesman said: "One of the major risks is for drivers. They could have problems with visibility and it could create hazardous driving conditions."

Meanwhile, experts have said we could be facing more than two months of snow, ice and freezing temperatures as forecasters predict that the winter 'whiteout' could last until the end of February.

The Daily Star reports that temperatures are now even colder than expected and, as a result, government forecasters have revised their predictions: it is now likely to be "colder than average" until the end of February, rather than "slightly colder than average."

Fancy a quick getaway? Try one of these hot spots...

%VIRTUAL-Gallery-170485%



Sign up to our weekly newsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a fan on Facebook