tavi12
01-02-09, 05:01 PM
Britain is bracing itself for a week-long cold snap and the heaviest snowfall of the year, according to forecasters.
The wintry weather moving in from the east is expected to hit tonight, with freezing temperatures, biting winds and up to 15cm of snow.
England, Wales and Eastern Scotland are likely to be covered in the white stuff by tomorrow.
Sky weather presenter Denise Nurse said: "Monday will be one of those weather days that everyone will be talking about.
"The easterly winds blowing across from Siberia are bringing the cold weather and once the Siberian air crosses the North Sea, it'll cover England, Wales and Eastern Scotland in snow all of Monday.
"There'll be continuous snowfall throughout the day with London and the Thames Valley region seeing up to 10cm of snow.
"The heaviest snowfall of the year so far is coming our way and we are set for a wintry week."
Flurries of snow have already been falling intermittently in London and the east of England.
During a trip to church in Norfolk today, the Queen was caught up in a light dusting but she was undeterred by the conditions and stopped to chat to onlookers.
Winds are expected to get close to gale force in some areas tonight.
"They will be gusting up to 50mph so expect blizzard like conditions when travelling," Nurse warned.
"Temperatures in the east could be as low as 2C but with a really harsh wind chill factor it'll feel an awful lot colder."
The big freeze heralds the start of February during what has been the coldest winter for 13 years.
Earlier this month, temperatures plunged to lows of minus 13C (8.6F) during a three-week freeze.
Conditions finally improved and became milder from mid-January.
The snow is expected to bring traffic chaos and commuters could be badly hit.
The AA has warned motorists to keep warm clothes in the car after dealing with unprepared drivers "flirting with hypothermia" at breakdowns during the last cold snap.
Flash warnings of severe or extreme weather
These are issued when the Met Office has 80% or greater confidence that severe weather is expected in the next few hours.
Regions affected
North West England
Yorkshire & Humber
East Midlands Heavy
East of England
London & South East England
And More Of The Snow Is Due To Affect Most Of The Country Through Out The Week But Worst Hit Is Due To Be London And The South East.
http://img.habboupload.com/1233506730.gif (http://www.habboupload.com)
Green = No Severe Weather
Yellow = Be Aware
Orange = Be Prepared
Red = Take Action
The wintry weather moving in from the east is expected to hit tonight, with freezing temperatures, biting winds and up to 15cm of snow.
England, Wales and Eastern Scotland are likely to be covered in the white stuff by tomorrow.
Sky weather presenter Denise Nurse said: "Monday will be one of those weather days that everyone will be talking about.
"The easterly winds blowing across from Siberia are bringing the cold weather and once the Siberian air crosses the North Sea, it'll cover England, Wales and Eastern Scotland in snow all of Monday.
"There'll be continuous snowfall throughout the day with London and the Thames Valley region seeing up to 10cm of snow.
"The heaviest snowfall of the year so far is coming our way and we are set for a wintry week."
Flurries of snow have already been falling intermittently in London and the east of England.
During a trip to church in Norfolk today, the Queen was caught up in a light dusting but she was undeterred by the conditions and stopped to chat to onlookers.
Winds are expected to get close to gale force in some areas tonight.
"They will be gusting up to 50mph so expect blizzard like conditions when travelling," Nurse warned.
"Temperatures in the east could be as low as 2C but with a really harsh wind chill factor it'll feel an awful lot colder."
The big freeze heralds the start of February during what has been the coldest winter for 13 years.
Earlier this month, temperatures plunged to lows of minus 13C (8.6F) during a three-week freeze.
Conditions finally improved and became milder from mid-January.
The snow is expected to bring traffic chaos and commuters could be badly hit.
The AA has warned motorists to keep warm clothes in the car after dealing with unprepared drivers "flirting with hypothermia" at breakdowns during the last cold snap.
Flash warnings of severe or extreme weather
These are issued when the Met Office has 80% or greater confidence that severe weather is expected in the next few hours.
Regions affected
North West England
Yorkshire & Humber
East Midlands Heavy
East of England
London & South East England
And More Of The Snow Is Due To Affect Most Of The Country Through Out The Week But Worst Hit Is Due To Be London And The South East.
http://img.habboupload.com/1233506730.gif (http://www.habboupload.com)
Green = No Severe Weather
Yellow = Be Aware
Orange = Be Prepared
Red = Take Action