Exact date Brits should prepare for snow as 'week in the freezer' brings -1C cold snap

The latest weather forecasts predict that the UK will become even colder in the days and weeks to come, with the first signs of snow less than a month before Christmas

Met Office weather forecasters have predicted an oncoming -1C freeze, with the bitter chill set to leave Brits' teeth chattering later this month.

The mercury has notably nosedived in recent weeks, with lows in the low single figures reigning in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The distinctly wintry temperatures have seen people wrap up in big coats much sooner than usual, as even typically warmer southern England saw consistent 2C to 3C daily lows this month.

While not uncharacteristically cold for the time of year, it has caught some people by surprise, and it seems that November will likely continue to do so over the next two weeks. The latest Met Office temperature maps predict that the mercury will dip from next week, reaching -1C by November 20.

The agency's maps, which cover up to eight days at a time, show that temperatures in Glasgow will plummet to -1C at 6am, with temperatures elsewhere rising to a maximum of 5C. Other forecasters, namely WXCharts, predict that temperatures will drop even lower, down to -2C, with snow on the horizon and set to arrive by November 23.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Jim Dale, the chief forecaster at British Weather Services, said the incoming cold spell will feel like a "week in the freezer". He said: "The board is set, the pieces are moving! This one is looking like a full week in the freezer before it relents.

"The weather models will ebb and flow but the latest is spelling a very deep snow time (several inches) for the Midlands and Pennine towns and villages. Scottish hills and mountains go without saying. Traffic dislocation and dangers appear inevitable. But it all means nothing for how Christmas may turn out."

The Met Office is also predicting snow for late November, but to a lesser extent, with the agency's latest long-range forecast - which covers November 18 to 27 - predicting "frequent wintry showers". The forecast states: "Frequent wintry showers are expected, mainly in the north and along eastern and western coasts where exposed to the strong north to northwesterly flow.

"Snow is likely to fall to low levels, especially in the north. Many inland areas may be largely dry with lengthy sunny spells, especially where sheltered from the flow. However, there is a risk of some more organised areas of rain and hill snow running east across more southern parts.

"The chance of any widespread or disruptive snowfall affecting more populated areas at this stage remains low though. Cold everywhere with overnight frost, and the strong winds will result in significant wind chill. There is a hint that it may become less cold later in the period, with more of a westerly flow becoming established."