Snow forecast as freezing weather hits Britain: gov't

Sleet or snow is expected to start falling in some areas although the coldest weather is likely towards the end of the week when daytime temperatures may not rise much above freezing.

“Some locations could see a light covering of snow by Wednesday but heavier snow showers are likely in eastern regions on Thursday and Friday,” said the Met Office's Chief Forecaster Tony Waters.

The AA has warned that motorists could face difficulties when the cold snap strikes, saying that half of all local authorities only had salt stocks for gritting roads that would last for six days of continuous freezing weather.

However the Local Government Association said councils were prepared.

“If the AA thinks the only way councils can ensure they have enough salt is by stockpiling it, it is showing startling ignorance,” said Councillor David Sparks.

“It's up to councils, not the AA, to decide whether it is a good use of their council taxpayers' money to stockpile more salt or have other plans in place to make sure they can get enough grit to keep Britain moving.”

Despite the onset of wintry conditions, forecasters are not yet predicting a white Christmas. The Met Office said they expected it to remain cold and unsettled although there was a chance of milder weather.

Bookmaker William Hill said it had seen a surge in betting for a white Christmas. Aberdeen is rated the best place to see snow on Dec. 25, with odds of 9/2 of snowfalls in London.

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