SNOW is expected to hit parts of the UK today as the Met Office warns of the coldest December in years.
Temperatures are expected to plummet as low as -7C this week after most of the southwest enjoyed a relatively mild 16C weekend.
In the direct-line-of-fire for snow, hail and strong winds, is Northeast Scotland.
Snowy conditions are to be expected in Northeast Scotland from today as the cold arctic air travels down, but the winds will pick up in the week.
The Met Office is briefing councils and transport chiefs that December has the highest risk of cold for years.
The southeast of the UK can expect a cold front today, accompanied by strong north-west to northerly winds and spells of rain or showers.
This could turn “wintry across Scotland”, the Met Office states.
And as for the long-range outlook: “The likelihood of a cold December is greater than seen in recent years, with an increased chance of northerly or northwesterly winds.”
Temperatures in Scotland will plunge by about 10C from today to as low as -8C at night.
The cold conditions will remain tomorrow and Wednesday, until the milder Atlantic air travels up.
But the Met Office states “disruptive conditions in places cannot be ruled out.”
These disruptive conditions could see Storm Darragh named.
The Met Office will name Storm Darragh when an Atlantic low pressure system has potential for amber warnings.
Storm Darragh is due to bring a 500 mile-wide chill, followed by twin 70mph tempests on Thursday and Saturday.
For the week commencing December 9, the Met Office has deemed it to come with a “wintry spell”.
As the week progresses, conditions could become a little drier but the Met Office has “low confidence in this”.
It continued: “Any high pressure could be rather short-lived as new Atlantic lows approach, bringing fairly unsettled conditions back to the UK.”
It comes after weeks of disruption caused by Storm Bert.
Monday, December 2 – Cloud and rain to be expected with colder air spreading across the country. Sunnier spells will move into the north, with snow, hail and strong winds in northeast Scotland.
Tuesday – Dry, bright and cold for many. Rain will move into Northern Ireland from late morning, pushing into western Scotland in the afternoon. Rain will turn to snow across northern Scotland.
Wednesday – Mainly cold and bright.
Thursday – Turning milder with outbreaks of rain and strong winds.
Friday – Like Thursday, mild with outbreaks of rain and strong winds.
