UK braced for big freeze

Freezing winds and snow showers are predicted to sweep the country this weekend, causing temperatures to plummet below zero in northern England and Scotland, forecasters said today.

Wintry storms are predicted to hit north-east Scotland today, with several centimetres of heavy snow likely to fall over the weekend, especially in the hills.

The band of sleet and snow showers will move down the east coast of England and into East Anglia on Saturday.

MeteoGroup UK said the wind chill will cause temperatures to drop below zero on Friday and Saturday night.

Daniel Adamson, forecaster at MeteoGroup UK, said: "Central and eastern England could see a couple of hours of heavy snow on Sunday morning. But it will move through quickly and turn milder and brighter in the afternoon."

He said the South West and west Wales will escape the cold snap, with sunny weather predicted for today and Saturday.

However, there is a chance of snow in London on Sunday morning.

Mr Adamson added: "It could snow as far south as London for a couple of hours and East Anglia could see quite heavy snow."

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning in northern and eastern Scotland and the east coast of England today and tomorrow and motorists are advised to watch out for blizzards.

The charity Age Concern warned elderly people to take extra care to stay warm in the cold snap.

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, said: "With predictions of snow and very strong winds for this weekend we are urging vulnerable older people, who are more susceptible to the cold, to take extra precautions to stay warm and well.

"Older people can help keep warm during this cold snap by wrapping up well with several layers of clothes and staying as active as possible. Eating good, healthy meals will also help to provide energy throughout the day and sipping hot drinks will also help.

"Fear of increased winter bills is causing more than half of older people to cut back on essentials, such as food and energy, which could put their health at risk.

"We would advise any older person worried about making ends meet to find out if they are entitled to claim benefits, as this could help take the worry out of meeting their bills."