Britain faces the first snow of the winter

Arctic winds are about to hit Britain – and some places have been warned to expect snow by the end of the week. Night time temperatures across the country are expected to fall below freezing and up to two inches of snow are predicted for Scotland and northeast England.

Wednesday will be the coldest day of the week, with daytime temperatures sinking to just 9C (48F) in the north and 11C (52F) in the south. 

The Met Office has warned that icy polar winds will make London's temperatures feel as low as minus 5C (23F). 

"The main feature this week, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday, will be that we are going to see air coming southwards all the way from the Arctic. The air will feel chilly. We will all certainly notice it," said forecaster Robin Downton.

It is the first indication that the UK is set for another severe winter, as predicted by Met Office forecasting rivals Positive Weather Solutions.

Last winter was thought to be the coldest for over 30 years, with freezing temperatures and heavy snow bringing the country to a standstill in December, January and February. ·