UK weather forecast: Beast from the East could return with heavy snow and freezing temperatures

Most of UK enjoyed sunshine on Tuesday – but forecasters warn of another Siberian cold snap

Britain is still at risk of another Beast from the East despite predictions of above-average temperatures this week, according to the Met Office.

Forecasters say the chances of colder weather arriving from Siberia this winter were increased by sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) over the Arctic on 2 January.

It could mean a repeat of the heavy snow and freezing temperatures that brought parts of the UK to a standstill last March.

However, the Met Office says snow is unlikely for most people over the next seven to 10 days – unless they live in the Scottish Highlands.

They are even expecting some parts of the UK to see average temperatures above for January over the weekend.

“Last year the sudden stratospheric warming was the precursor for the Beast from the East,” Met Office meteorologist Martin Bowles told The Independent.

“It increases the probability of a very cold spell but doesn’t make it certain by any means. It could mean a lot of snow. However, snow is not actually that remarkable at this time of year.”

Sudden stratospheric warming does not guarantee cold weather and happens roughly once every two years, according to Met Office scientist Jeff Knight.

“The event is just as big as last year but I don’t think the timings are the same,” he added. “Whether we will get something as sharp and intense is ‘who knows?’ Often these things tend to be a bit more messy.”

Parts of Europe are already experiencing heavier-than-average snowfall and significant cold weather conditions.

In Austria, hundreds of residents were stuck in their homes due to blocked roads and several people were killed by avalanches. Parts of Scandinavia were left without electricity and high winds caused flight delays and cancellations in the Netherlands.

Snowfall blanketed Athens as temperatures plunged well below freezing in some parts of the country and schools in many areas remained shut due to the weather conditions.

Meanwhile much of the UK enjoyed clear skies and sunshine on Tuesday.

The Met Office is forecasting stable weather conditions for the rest of the week. Wednesday is expected to be mainly dry, cold and sunny. The dry conditions are expected to last through Thursday to Saturday, with light rain in places and heavier rain in the north over the weekend.

Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said there was nothing forecast in the next week or so that could indicate any change like the Beast from the East.

“We are not ruling out a return to cooler conditions, we would normally expect a cold spell or two during winter,” he said.

“It may happen, but there’s no signal of it happening in the models.”

Colder weather is expected to arrive in the last week of January, with an increased chance of frost, fog and snow.

Additional reporting by Press Association