Temperatures could plummet to "negative double figures" across parts of Britain this weekend - as "arctic air" and "drastic conditions" arrive. That's the stark warning from Alex Burkill, a senior meteorologist at the Met Office.
He says the cold snap is coming and Brits should be prepared for a "real drop" in temperatures. The Met Office has already issued a level three - also known as amber - cold weather alert between 6pm on Wednesday and 9am on Monday.
And Mr Burkill added: "We're going to see a real drop in temperature as cold arctic air plunges across the UK leading to drastic conditions. There is an incoming brisk easterly wind and by Tuesday even colder winds will come from a northerly direction, making it even colder."
A yellow snow warning is also in place for the north of Scotland on Wednesday. And while Mr Burkill said there is a lesser chance of snow in the south, the temperature could still be well below freezing.
He said: "By the weekend it could be negative double figures."
The cold weather alert is in place to ensure people who are vulnerable can prepare. Mr Burkill said: "Vulnerable people need to be looked after and everyone needs to ensure anyone they know who is vulnerable will be alerted.
"So far this year, every month has been milder than usual but these temperatures are not what people want in a cost of living crisis."
It is also feared that a rapid drop in temperature could be the first real test of Britain's power reserves. Mild weather in recent weeks has meant many have so far avoided turning their heating on amid the energy crisis.
