As Snow Is Expected To Fall in Time for Christmas, Again the Dreaded ‘Beast From the East’ Could Return This Winter in UK

According to weather forecasters, the dreaded "Beast from the East" could return this winter, as snow is expected to fall in time for Christmas.

According to British Weather Services meteorologist Jim Dale, cold weather drivers emerging over Russia appear to have strengthened in recent weeks, increasing the likelihood of a cold snap in December.

'Beast from the East' predicted a high chance of Christmas snow

(Photo : Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

High pressure over Europe is expected to move towards Britain around the beginning of the month, bringing easterly winds with it, as per Mirror.

According to him, this development will mark the "transition zone" into a period of prolonged cold weather that could last through the holiday season.

While the Met Office's long-term models predict "mild weather" this winter, independent forecasters have touted the possibility of festive snow.

According to Mr Dale's long-term forecast, "pressure will begin to rise towards the end of the month and into the beginning of December, holding back the Atlantic and marking the transition zone."

Then, at the beginning of December, high pressure is expected to build over the UK, with the first freezing plunge heading into Europe and, if it breaks up, bringing easterlies into the UK.

Exacta Weather forecaster James Madden said the chance of a white Christmas is currently "high," but added that it is "something we need to keep an eye on for closer to the time."

Meanwhile, he predicts "more wind and rain" as temperatures continue to fall toward the seasonal norm.

Meanwhile, Ladbrokes has cut the odds on a White Christmas anywhere in the UK to 6-4, with Edinburgh the most likely major city to see flakes at fo 4-1.

Winter May Soften Blow From Gas Crisis

The forecaster's most recent three-month forecast predicts that weather will be milder than normal from December to February, with a 15% chance that it will be colder.

Still, average temperatures are the most likely scenario, as per Bloomberg.

That's a more optimistic forecast than the Met Office issued a month ago when it predicted a 25% chance of cold weather from November to January.

How far the thermometer drops will be a critical factor in how the UK deals with the worst energy crisis in decades.

When prices rise above a certain threshold, the government is obligated to subsidize the majority of household energy bills.

Also Read: UK Weather: August Bank Holiday Will Be Expected With Heavy Rain While 26C Heatwave Returns Next Week

Flood alerts after 'exceptionally wet'

Hundreds of flood warnings are in effect across the UK, as forecasters warn that another downpour of rain will cap off a "exceptionally wet" November, as per the Independent.

The month will also end with "the coldest spell of the autumn so far," with temperatures dropping as low as -3C in southern England and remaining in the low-to-mid single digits in parts of the country throughout the day, according to the Met Office.

While the week ahead will bring "widespread" cold courtesy of Scandinavian winds, it will also provide relief from the near-constant rain of recent weeks - but only until a final spell of wet weather dumps up to 30mm of rain on parts of southern England.

As a result, the Met Office has issued a rain warning that extends from Arundel to Rye and nearly to Crawley in the north and will be in effect until midnight.

The national forecaster warns that some homes and businesses in affected areas may be flooded.

Surface water may cause delays for drivers, while bus and train services may also be disrupted.

The Environment Agency has warned residents to expect flooding in three areas of England: near Peterborough, Littlehampton, and Dorchester, as well as in 50 other areas across the country.

Related article: Heatwave to Hit the UK in April and Climate Change is to Blame: Met Office Forecast