BRITAIN is bracing for an “Arctic plunge” as a ten-day chill is set to sweep through the country from today.
Snow is forecast up and down the UK with the cold creeping in over the weekend which comes with lows of -7C.
Lows of -7C are expected later next week when ice and frost start to sweep across the country.
A 900-mile wide Arctic plunge will hit the country fromTuesday, with blankets of snow to hit Scotland first.
Read our weather live blog for the latest forecasts and updates...
Milica Cosic 18 minutes ago
Explained: The costs of an electric blanket
Most people use electric blankets by popping them under their sheets for a small amount of time to heat their bed before they get in it.
According to research from Uswitch, they use 100 watts of energy for a double bed – costing 0.8p in total to run for 30 minutes.
That means if you used it seven days a week for this length of time, it would cost you just 5.6p.
Using an electric blanket instead of turning the heating up could also help you shave cash off your bill, Uswitch energy expert Sarah Broomfield said.
“Using an electric blanket to warm the bed may mean you can turn the temperature of your thermostat down, as you will not need your bedroom to be so hot,” she said.
Milica Cosic 21 minutes ago
BREAKING: Bulb on brink of collapse
Britain's seventh biggest energy supplier, Bulb, is facing collapse within days amid government talks with the creditor.
Talks of a solvent rescue deal for Bulb have faded.
The demise of Bulb may put around 1000 people who work for them at risk of losing their job.
Milica Cosic 48 minutes ago
Check your boiler
An estimated 100,000 homes may need vital boiler checks, repairs and maintenance over the next two weeks, British Gas has estimated.
The firm says the next few weeks will be crucial as Jack Frost comes to visit.
Joanna Flowers, a British Gas service and repair engineer, said: “The next couple of weeks could be the first test for many households’ heating systems this year.
“We know that having no heating or hot water is people’s worst winter nightmare in the home, so rather wait for the cold weather to set in before finding out something’s not working as it should be, we’re advising households to prepare now.
“Looking after your boiler is key, as well as making a few small changes around the home to ensure the rest of your heating and hot water system is working effectively and efficiently. And remember, a heating system that’s in good shape also won’t use more energy than it needs – which will help keep your bills down."
Milica Cosic Today, 11:00
Chaos for commuters
There are fears the sudden dip in temperature could cause chaos for commuters - because the UK is facing a shortage of HGV drivers to spread salt.
Highways chiefs are scrambling to recruit more drivers to keep motorists safe as officials warn major gritting routes could be axed.
Meanwhile, in a worrying double whammy, there's less grit in stock than in previous winters.
Milica Cosic Today, 10:30
Good weather patterns
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: “I couldn't imagine a better weather pattern for cold weather fans, with forecast models showing a northerly straight from the Arctic next week.
“It turns much colder from the north later in the weekend. From Sunday, rain is likely in the north, with some snow across higher ground, possibly reaching low levels at times.
“Further south looks to have fewer showers, but with a slight chance of wintry weather, and chilly nights with frost in places.”
Milica Cosic Today, 10:00
Winter well and truly under way
Winter is well and truly on the way after an unusually balmy autumn.
James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, told the Express: “Cold conditions in the coming days will pave the way for a number of widespread snow events from the last week of November into the start of December.
"During this period, it is going to turn markedly colder, and with a drop in solar activity, we are looking at a potential mini ice age winter.”
Milica Cosic Today, 09:30
Friday is snow day
By Friday, forecasters at WX Charts say people living as far south at the West Midlands may be hit by up to six centimetres of snow.
There's a 70 per cent chance of powder in Birmingham by the weekend.
Those in the north, including people living in Manchester and York, can also expect to see snow by the end of next week.
And people living in Wales could get 10cm drifts.
Milica Cosic Today, 09:00
Up to 9ins of snow to hit this week
NINE inches of snow will fall within just days - and Brits are set to shiver amid a -7C Arctic blast that will go on until December.
The mercury will plummet "significantly" by Thursday, with no respite from the chill until at least the beginning of next month.
Snow has already arrived in the Highlands, and forecasters predict that a whopping 24cm of the white stuff - 9.4in - will fall next week.
However, the polar plunge will also force the chill downwards in the coming days - and even those in London could see a dusting.
Milica Cosic Today, 08:30
Explained: How to remove snow from the roof yourself
If you want to remove the snow yourself, instead of calling a professional, the experts at Roofing Megastore provided the following tips:
1. The best way to get rid of snow on your roof is with a snow rake, which can be used to drag snow off the roof from ground level – far safer than working at height.
2. If you don’t have a snow rake, do not use metal tools, as these can damage roofing materials.
3. Work your way down from the roof ridge (the highest point), leaving a few inches of snow instead of scraping your roof clean to minimise the risk of damage.
4. Be careful where you move the snow, do not drop any in front of doorways, and don’t pile snow anywhere on the roof, even if you’re going to remove it later.
5. Lastly, only remove snow from your roof when it’s safe for you to do so. You always have the option to call a professional, or simply wait for the snow to melt.
Louis Allwood Today, 08:00
It's going to get colder
Cooler temperatures will develop next week, as pressure builds in the south of Iceland.
And a "secondary push of colder Icelandic air" is then expected to arrive towards the end of the week, "further dropping temperatures".
According to WXCharts, up to 24cm of snow could fall across north western parts of Scotland over the weekend of November 28.
On Friday 26, snow depth maps suggest Wales could see 10cm of snow while the Midlands could get 6cm.
Louis Allwood Today, 07:30
Arctic chill
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: “I couldn't imagine a better weather pattern for cold weather fans, with forecast models showing a northerly straight from the Arctic next week.
“It turns much colder from the north later in the weekend. From Sunday, rain is likely in the North, with some snow across higher ground, possibly reaching low levels at times.
“Further south looks to have fewer showers, but with a slight chance of wintry weather, and chilly nights with frost in places.”
Louis Allwood Today, 07:00
How to remove snow from the roof yourself
If you want to remove the snow yourself, instead of calling a professional, the experts at Roofing Megastore provided the following tips:
1. The best way to get rid of snow on your roof is with a snow rake, which can be used to drag snow off the roof from ground level – far safer than working at height.
2. If you don’t have a snow rake, do not use metal tools, as these can damage roofing materials.
3. Work your way down from the roof ridge (the highest point), leaving a few inches of snow instead of scraping your roof clean to minimise the risk of damage.
4. Be careful where you move the snow, do not drop any in front of doorways, and don’t pile snow anywhere on the roof, even if you’re going to remove it later.
5. Lastly, only remove snow from your roof when it’s safe for you to do so. You always have the option to call a professional, or simply wait for the snow to melt.
Louis Allwood Today, 06:30
AA advise to plan ahead before you travel
AA spokesman Tony Rich told the Sun: “Before setting off, it’s important to fully de-ice the car which includes clearing snow from the windows, lights and roof so you can see and be seen.
“It’s also worth having winter essentials in the car such as warm, waterproof layers, a shovel, a torch, fully charged mobile phone and a flask of hot drink.
“If you must travel, reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles.
“Allow extra time, as it’s likely your journey will take longer than usual, and ensure you have plenty of fuel/electric charge if you’re driving an EV (Electric Vehicle).”
Louis Allwood Today, 06:00
Snow can be bad especially in large quantities
With temperatures due to plummet and heavy snow forecast starting from next week, experts at Roofing Megastore have warned against how the snow can damage your property if it is not cleared correctly from your roof.
Sagging ceiling boards: A ceiling sagging under the pressure of weight above is a sure sign your roof is carrying more than it can handle. Outside of heavy snow fall, this could indicate the beams are old and need replacing, or that they’re suffering from rot. Strange noises: If you hear strange noises coming from above, particularly creaking, this could mean that the beams and rafters in your roof space are under excessive pressure, and may be starting to get damaged. Pay close attention and look out for cracks or other obvious signs of wear.
Louis Allwood Today, 05:30
It could be a freezing night for Manchester
The Met Office have said that it will be a chilly night.
They said "Skies staying largely clear overnight with winds also easing.
"This allows temperatures to drop, resulting in a cold night with a widespread risk of frost.
"Minimum temperature 0 °C."
Louis Allwood Today, 05:00
‘Icelandic air’ coming in
“Icelandic air” is set to swoop over to the UK towards the end of next week, sending temperatures plummeting across the country.
BBC weather’s forecast for the month reads: “A surge of colder Icelandic air will spill across the UK over the final ten days of November and linger into the first few days of December.
“The most prominent drivers of this pattern will be high pressure in the Atlantic and a trough over Continental Europe.”
Louis Allwood Today, 04:30
Driving advice for the winter
Drivers should look to switching to winter prone tyres which offer a better grip during colder weather conditions.
They make it easier for motorists to drive, however, there is no legal requirement to do so.
Getting your car serviced is also another way to prepare for the winter months.
During a service, a mechanic will check your tyres, lights, oil, battery, coolant and antifreeze as well as your windscreen wipes.
This will give you a better insight into what to look out for and prevent any further problems for your vehicle.
Louis Allwood Today, 04:00
Are snow chains legal?
In a short answer- no, however, there are certain requirements you have to follow in the UK.
UK laws insist that snow chains and socks must only be used for adverse weather conditions.
This means you cannot have them attached to your car if there isn’t any snow on the roads.
Using the car accessories during non-icy conditions could be deemed as an offence for the driver.
If you were to use them during non-snowy conditions it could damage your vehicle as well as road surfaces.
Countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden, insist that snow chains are a legal requirement to have in your car.
Louis Allwood Today, 03:30
Don't keep it running (Continued...)
As the winter draws in it, it may be tempting to allow your car to sit idling as it heats up.
But if you do you could land yourself with a ￡40 fine simply for waiting in their car with the engine running.
It is illegal to keep an car engine idling under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The act enforces Rule 123 of the Highway Code, which says: “You must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.”
Breaking this law can result in a ￡20 fixed-penalty fine, rising to ￡40 if not paid within the timeframe, and local councils may add an additional fine on top of this.
Louis Allwood Today, 03:00
Don't keep it running
As the winter draws in it, it may be tempting to allow your car to sit idling as it heats up.
But if you do you could land yourself with a ￡40 fine simply for waiting in their car with the engine running.
It is illegal to keep an car engine idling under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The act enforces Rule 123 of the Highway Code, which says: “You must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.”
Breaking this law can result in a ￡20 fixed-penalty fine, rising to ￡40 if not paid within the timeframe, and local councils may add an additional fine on top of this.
Louis Allwood Today, 02:30
Stay warm tonight
A cold night for London and the south east awaits.
The Met office have said "A cold night, with any remaining showers soon clearing.
"The exception to this being Kent where showers will continue and probably be frequent and occasionally heavy.
"Breezy, especially near coasts. Minimum temperature 1 °C."
Louis Allwood Today, 02:00
What can we expect this week?
The Met Office have predicted that the weather will be mostly dry and settled early on.
They said the weather will be “Settled and mostly dry but cold until Wednesday when cloud and rain moves southeastwards across northern areas.
“Cold with blustery showers following in the north, wintry over hills. Brighter elsewhere.”
Louis Allwood Today, 01:30
Weather for Monday
The Met Office have said that there will be "Many parts dry with plenty of sunshine, though showers still affecting the far southeast.
"Cloudy across northern Scotland with a little rain. Feeling rather cold, especially in the breezy south."
Louis Allwood Today, 01:00
Will we see snow in December?
The Met Office have said that between the 5th to 19th December the UK can expect a mixture of dry and rainy spells.
The released the following statement: “A generally northwesterly airflow looks set to continue for much of this period, with the most changeable conditions likely to be in the north of the UK.
“Showers or longer spells of rain and possibly strong winds are likely across the north, become increasingly likely further north, these interspersed with periods of more settled weather.
“In the south high pressure is likely to remain close by, giving a good deal of settled and dry weather.
“Temperatures will be varied overall with longer mild spells being punctuated by shorter colder spells, with some wintry weather also possible.
“During any clear, calm spells, overnight frost and fog are likely.”
Louis Allwood Today, 00:30
UK faces shortage of gritters and road salt in winter
Drivers could be struck by mid-winter travel chaos amid a shortage of HGV drivers to spread salt on the roads.
Snow has already arrived in the Highlands, with forecasters warning of more to come further south next week.
But highways chiefs are scrambling to recruit more drivers to keep motorists safe as officials warn major gritting routes could be axed.
Meanwhile, in a worrying double whammy, there's less grit in stock than in previous winters.
Transport bosses in Scotland - where snow usually falls earliest and thickest - say there's 30,000 fewer tonnes of salt in stock than last year.
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