BRITAIN is set to be battered by a “little ice age” and temperatures will plunge to -11C NEXT WEEK.
The rest of the week will be more mild weather before the weather turns far chillier with spells of snow.
The white stuff is expected to hit from November 24, with the sub-zero temperatures starting on November 23.
Freezing Arctic winds will take a grip on the country, with the mercury possibly dropping as low as -7C to -11C with the coldest conditions hitting Scotland.
Read our UK weather live blog below for the latest info & updates...
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk 4 minutes ago
Inflation soaring in part due to energy bills
Families will be left worse off as inflation soars to its highest in nearly a decade - fueled in part by rising energy bills.
Inflation in October hit 4.2% according to figures from the Office For National Statistics, up from 3.1% a month earlier.
Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, said that inflation rose steeply in October to its highest rate in nearly a decade.
He said: "This was driven by increased household energy bills due to the price cap hike, a rise in the cost of second-hand cars and fuel as well as higher prices in restaurants and hotels.
"Costs of goods produced by factories and the price of raw materials have also risen substantially and are now at their highest rates for at least 10 years."
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk 19 minutes ago
THIRD of motorists aren't ready for winter
As the prospect of winter is baring down on us, more than a third of motorists still do not feel prepared for winter driving this year, research has revealed.
A survey of 6,000 European drivers found 27 per cent don’t understand or use their cars’ additional safety features when the weather turns sour.
55 per cent of drivers who are nervous about driving in winter - and the 45 per cent who wish they had been taught how to drive properly in adverse weather.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk 34 minutes ago
Is your car winter ready?
Simple tricks like putting a towel or blanket over the glass and using a homemade spray solution can help.
And you should definitely never use boiling water to de-ice.
But when the barometer isn't quite low enough for frost, it's condensation you'll need to be on the look out for.
Tesco Bank said road accidents jump 8 per cent in the week after the clocks go back as the nights draw in.
That makes it all the more important to stay safe on the road.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk 49 minutes ago
Boiler blues
An estimated 100,000 homes may need vital boiler checks, repairs and maintenance over the next two weeks, British Gas has estimated.
According to the company, which fixes 1.2m boilers every winter, as the next few weeks will see the first really icy blasts of the season this is when the pipes really start to feel the strain.
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.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 11:15
Next week's forecast
WXCharts show the mercury could drop as low as -7C the week of November 23, with the frostiest conditions in the far north Scotland.
But even in England, as far south as Brighton, East Sussex, could be plunged into minus figures.
Until November 27 there is a chance of wintry showers, with a high chance of frost, fog and brisk gusts in northern areas
Then from November 27 there is risk of snow and ice, with spells of rain and high winds.
The bitter chill has the potential to bring up to six inches of snow in just 24 hours - and bookies have slashed the odds on this being the coldest November ever.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 11:00
How do I turn my fog lights on?
Every car is different, so you'll need to check your manual to be sure you know how to switch on your fog lights.
But in general, you would start by switching on your headlights as normal.
Then locate the fog light symbol - which may be on the indicator stalk with the other light functions.
You may have to rotate the end of the stalk, or a switch to the right or left of the steering wheel.
Or it could be a button to press on your dashboard.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 10:45
When should I put my fog lights on?
Your fog lights have been fitted to your car for use in fog and heavy mist which significantly reduces visibility on the road.
Specifically, they're meant to be used when visibility drops below 100m, around the length of a football pitch.
Rule 226 of the Highway Code says you must use headlights in these conditions and you may also use front and rear fog lights.
If you don't switch on your headlights under these conditions you could risk the safety of yourself or other road users.
At this point, you should be driving slowly enough to react to hazards, remembering your stopping distances.
If you are involved in an accident during fog and you don't have your fog lights on it could mean that your insurance is invalid.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 10:45
Is it illegal to drive with your fog lights on?
If you use your fog lights when it isn't foggy you could be endangering other road users and potentially breaking the law.
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 says that it is illegal to use your lights to dazzle drivers coming towards you.
Fog lights are very bright, which means they shouldn't be used in normal weather.
Switching or leaving your fog lights on when it's clear, or if it's just rainy, or in light mist where visibility is greater than 100m, could land you with a fine.
If you use your fog lights incorrectly, you could be fined ￡30 at the roadside.
You won't get penalty points if dealt with in this way.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 10:30
Tips for staying warm this winter Increase your Vitamin D intake. Our bodies produce Vitamin D in the presence of sunlight. Work out to stay warm. Take care of your skin. Boost your Immune System. Add fruits, vegetables and spices to your diet.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 10:15
A cold wind blows
The bitter chill has the potential to bring up to six inches of snow in just 24 hours – and bookies have slashed the odds on this being the coldest November ever.
Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead said: “We have significantly cut the odds on this month going into the record books as the coldest November that we have ever had, as temperatures begin to plummet and snow looms large on the horizon.”
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 10:00
Explained: If schools close, can I still be paid?
If parents are forced to pick up their kids if their school closes due to extreme weather, they may not be paid for the time they take off.
Neha said: "If a school was closed at short notice, this would constitute an emergency relating to a dependant, in which case, you would be entitled to take time off as dependency leave.
"This type of leave does not have to be paid. Your employer can not refuse you dependency leave if you have no other choice and you cannot be disciplined or sacked for taking the time off."
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 09:45
Explained: If my office is closed, can I still get paid?
If an employer closes the office because it is inaccessible, staff should be paid for the day.
Neha added: "Withholding pay when employees are unable to work through no fault of their own could be considered as an unauthorised deduction from wages.
"In those circumstances, employees may be able to bring a claim against their employer. However, it should be noted that some employment contracts contain a temporary ‘lay-off’ clause.
"If this is the case, employers can refuse to give the full amount of pay to employees to a limited time."
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 09:30
Ice blast (continued)
It follows reports that tumbling temperatures will bring up to five-days of snow to the UK.
While this week will start on the warmer side with temperatures in the mid-teens, things will take a wintry turn by Wednesday.
Snow is expected to hit Scotland first, before making its way further south.
Weather maps show the white stuff could well land in north-western Scotland on November 17.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 09:15
Ice blast
Brits are bracing for an Arctic ice blast set to hit this WEEK - sending the mercury plunging by 8C.
A chill will swoop in before the weekend, bringing temperatures down from a balmy 15C on Thursday to 7C in the north on Friday, the Met Office has revealed.
But Brits should enjoy the relatively mild chill while they can, as icy winds from the North Atlantic and Scandinavia will bring some regions down to -12C before the end of the year.
And this month is also set to be an shiver-inducing occasion, with Scotland seeing temperatures hit -7C, while northern England will see -2C, the Mirror reports.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 09:00
Warming up
If you fancy a last-minute break somewhere much hotter than the UK, tour operators are offering some super cheap deals to encourage you to book.
With bargain seven-night holidays for as little as ￡274pp, you can ditch the dark cold British weather for some sea, sun and sand instead.
TUI, Thomas Cook and Jet2 are just some of the big names offering cheap deals right now.
The biggest bargain is with TUI, where seven nights in Lanzarote with return flights costs you just ￡274pp.
They also have deals to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Benidorm for Spain lovers, as well Cyprus, Malta and Egypt.
Read more here
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 08:45
How to stay safe on the roads (continued)
Check your oil – We Brits are bad at checking our oil. Hardly any of us perform this essential maintenance task once a month, which is how often the experts recommend.
Check your battery – Winter is hard on your battery and the electrical system. On a cold day, the engine in a car takes more effort to “turn over”, which puts extra strain on the battery and the starter motor.
Keep winter kit in your car – Breaking down in summer is annoying. Breaking down in winter can be dangerous. When temperatures drop, a simple mechanical failure can put the occupants of a vehicle at serious risk if they can’t be rescued quickly.
Check your wiper blades – You could get fined ￡100 for having defective windscreen wipers – something guaranteed to make a rainy day worse.
Consider buying winter tyres – In some parts of Europe, winter tyres are a mandatory part of driving, either on specific roads prone to ice and snow, or as a seasonal regulation.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 08:30
How to stay safe on the roads
WINTER can be a dangerous time on British roads, with slippery conditions and dangerous weather making every car journey a bit more risky.
But by preparing your car for the colder months, you can help protect yourself and your passengers from some of the hazards.
Check your tyres – Your tyres are, arguably, the most important safety device on your car.
Top up your screen wash – Screen wash is a crucial but often overlooked element of car maintenance. And in winter it’s particularly important, as the roads are gritty and covered with mud, which can spray up onto your windscreen and impede your view.
Clean your windows – While you’re at it, take this opportunity to ensure your windows are clean. You probably haven’t paid much attention to the windscreen, side windows and rear window of your car, and there’ll be a year’s worth of pollen, dust and autumn grime building up on the glass.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 08:15
Why you need to protect your windscreen
Cold weather can put a strain on windscreens.
Not only are adverse weather conditions and grit impacting your screen, but warm heaters can also have an effect.
Both these things can cause chips in a windscreen to crack.
If you have a crack in your windscreen you have to be off the road.
This is because your windscreen provides up to 30% of your car’s structural strength and is critical in supporting airbag deployment, says Autoglass.
Drivers also need to ensure that their windscreen is clean.
If a police officer deems a windscreen to be too dirty, they could give you a ￡5,000 fine.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 08:00
Bet on white
Bookmaker Coral has slashed the odds on snow falling on Christmas Day this year.
Coral make Aberdeen the most likely UK city to get snow on December 25, at 6-4 now, followed by Glasgow and Edinburgh at 7-4.
Newcastle is 2-1 for snow on the big day, the most likely of the English cities according to the odds, with London a 5-1 shot for a White Christmas.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 07:30
Our top 10 gadgets to help you say money on your energy bills?
Many households are struggling with rising energy costs at the moment.
Energy regulator Ofgem increased the Energy Price Cap to ￡1,277 in October, adding ￡139 to the average household bill.
A string of energy provider collapses has also not helped the situation.
If you are worried about your energy bills then making use of alternatives such as these is one way to keep costs down.
We’ve also looked at 10 energy efficient gadgets that could shave a few pennies off your bill.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 07:00
Come rain, come shine
Tyson Fury has been taking no days off since beating Deontay Wilder after embarking on a jog along drizzly Morecambe beach.
The Gypsy King was accompanied by dad John, brother Tommy and pal Joseph Parker as he clocked up the miles on an early morning run.
Fury looked to be in top spirits as he embraced the unsettled weather in an Instagram story, saying: “Monday morning workout! What are you saying, dad?
“Good to be alive! How happy do you feel to be out of a box?”
To which dad John replied: “A lot of people in a box, but I’ve worked hard to keep myself out the box!”
Fury then finished the video by saying: “Good, that’s what we like to hear, positivity. Tommy what you saying, Monday morning blues for you? Joe, what you saying?”
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 06:30
How Brits plan to fight the cold
Brits have revealed their top secrets for battling winter illnesses during the cold weather – with almost half pledging to take better care of themselves.
More than half of UK adults believe their immune system has been weakened by months of isolation because of the pandemic.
Many believe that wiping down door handles, getting more sleep and eating a lot of spicy foods can keep the cold weather sniffles at bay.
Other methods being plumped by Brits include staying in well-ventilated areas, eating immune-boosting foods like oranges and spinach as well as drinking plenty of water.
The study also found that 88 per cent of people think that preventing catching a winter illness is important.
Of the 2,000 adults, 65 per cent said that the average cold will wipe them out for several days – and provoke at least three complaints per day.
There are plenty of other ways to stay healthy this winter.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 06:00
Where will the snow fall first?
Snow is expected to hit Scotland first, before making its way further south.
Weather maps show the white stuff could well land in north-western Scotland from today.
But snow could also fall in northern England, parts of Wales and East Anglia towards the end of the month.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 05:30
How to protect your health this winter Increase your Vitamin D intake. Our bodies produce Vitamin D in the presence of sunlight. Work out to stay warm. Take care of your skin. Boost your Immune System. Add fruits, vegetables and spices to your diet.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 05:00
How your gaming could be costing you...
Wanting to make a big dent on your energy bills? It might be an idea to look at more energy-guzzling appliances to save on running costs.
One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to make sure your appliances are switched off properly.
Leaving your Xbox and Playstation on standby could be costing you ￡16.24 a year – the same cost as leaving your telly on standby too.
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