The UK could be set for treacherous wintry conditions as a new Beast from the East makes its way towards Britain.
A sub-zero Siberian weather front, similar to the one that led to the country being battered by heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures two years ago, is forming once again.
In February 2018, the UK was gripped by widespread disruption after an extraordinarily cold polar vortex swept in from Russia and collided with a storm.
Schools were forced to close due to the weather and travel chaos hit the nation, with motorists stranded as the country struggled to handle the extreme weather conditions.
Known as a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), it looks like another is possible next week.
The meteorological event allows extremely chilly winds from Russia to travel as far as Great Britain, and could lead to a plummet in temperatures later in the month.
The Met Office is monitoring the Baltic region amid fears the icy, easterly blast could form once again.
They forecast the current cold snap is set to continue into next week, with large parts of the country having wintry showers.
Overnight sub-zero temperatures will lead to icy conditions on the roads, with maximum daytime temperatures of 5C.
High pressure over Greenland will keep milder Atlantic conditions at bay while funnelling polar air in from Russia and the Baltic region.
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, said: “The beast is getting closer and at the moment it is stretching its claws across from the east towards Britain.
“While the Atlantic weather is currently being held back by high pressure over Greenland, if this weakens it will allow more moist air into the UK where it will clash with cold air.
“This is something we will be keeping our eyes on as this could bring the very real risk of a major snow event later in January.
“This is looking like turning into a lengthy cold spell lasting at least into the middle of January.”
Some forecasters believe it could be February before the cold eases its grip with snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures likely through next month.
James Madden, from long forecasters Exacta Weather said brutal Atlantic storms threaten to whip up major snow events across Britain, with persistent extreme cold felt through January.
He said: “January looks set to continue with the cold theme and although snow will be a feature for many, another risk would be ice storms which will develop as stormy weather pushes in off the Atlantic.
“When these clash with cold air across the UK there will be a risk of heavy snow, this will make for hazardous conditions on the roads.
“January is now looking like it will turn out colder than average.”
