Britian set to shiver as more wintry weather is forecast

Despite a brief reprieve from the freezing temperatures over the weekend, much colder weather is forecast for next week.

In a press release the Met Office says that from Monday a northeast wind will bring showers to the east coast and from Tuesday, freezing temperatures are forecast for across the UK.

It is forecast that temperatures will fall way below freezing in the coming week and the Met Office warns that this could lead to traffic disruption.

Tony Waters, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, said:

"After a brief milder spell this weekend we are expecting the coldest spell of the winter so far to develop across the UK next week. Eastern and southeastern coastal counties can expect to see the most frequent snow showers, but a few will probably spread further inland to central parts as the week goes on."

"With temperatures falling well below freezing at night, lying snow and the formation of ice could lead to some treacherous conditions and possible disruption to travel."

The Government has taken measures to help protect the elderly and vulnerable; Public Health Minister Anna Soubry has stated that £20 million has been given to local authorities to help keep people well during the colder weather.

You can find the latest cold weather alerts by visiting:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/cold-weather-alert/#?tab=coldWeatherAlert

Atlantic storm hits UK

An Atlantic storm hit the UK on Thursday and Friday bringing heavy rain and blustery winds with it.  The Met Office says that the unsettled weather is set to continue into Saturday.  The weather is also noticeably colder than it would normally be for this time of year.

The Highways Agency advised motorists to exercise caution if they were travelling and told drivers to plan ahead if they were going to travel in the heavy rain and high winds.

A team from the Environment Agency have been checking on flood defences and river levels.  The Environment Agency has also been working to avoid any river blockages.  People are advised to keep up-to-date by following the Agency's Twitter feed for the latest information.

Not even the Olympic Torch is guaranteed good weather.  Forecasters say that as the relay goes through Gateshead to Durham, there is the potential for wet weather on Saturday.

Commenting in a press release, Frank Saunders, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: 


"The unsettled theme we have seen so far this month is set to continue with more wet and windy weather to come, especially through tonight and tomorrow, although we are not expecting it to be as severe as the weather last weekend."