GETTY A bitter blast from the north will send thermometers plummeting

A bitter blast from the north will send thermometers plummeting by around 8C this weekend heralding a cold and stormy run up to Christmas. With just under a month to go, some forecasters say there is a chance of snow on the big day as winter tightens its grip. They warn a “strong and active” cold front will sweep across Scotland and the north today as the rest of Britain braces for wind and rain. It follows a mild and week which has saw temperatures hit a relatively balmy 13.6C (56F) in parts of the country. Leon Brown, forecaster for The Weather Channel UK, warned to wrap up this weekend as thermometers dip to -2C (28F) in the north and close to freezing elsewhere.

PA Snow capped hills over the Yorkshire Moors seen through an airplane

He said: “A strong and active cold front is moving southeast on Friday with temperatures dropping some 8C behind it and turning a lot colder over Scotland behind the front with snow over high ground. “The front then moves over the Midlands and the southeast in the late afternoon and evening with a colder night to follow. “This weekend will be windy so make the most of the dry and bright morning over central to southeastern England since it will rapidly deteriorate in the afternoon with heavy rain and strong winds.

PA People pause as they walk up the snow covered mountain Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons

“We could see ip to 50cm [1.6 feet] of snow this weekend over the Scottish Highlands with gales around western coasts and even along Channel coasts so rough sea crossings. “ He said after s slight improvement in the weather by Sunday afternoon cold, wet and windy week will follow. “Sunday improves over the south with showers dying out but showers give way to general rain and strong winds later across the north,” he added. “It will be very wet across Scotland on Sunday night with gusts of 60 to 70mph. “Another cold front moves quickly south on Monday with rain moving over central to southern Britain and strong and gusty winds. “It is turning a lot colder again over the north with more snow for the mountains in Scotland.

PA Vehicles are pushed up the Pickering to Whitby road in North Yorkshire

“There are more gales and fast-moving weather systems later next week.” Although forecasters are still undecided over the outlook for Christmas Day, some now say snow is “more than likely”. Piers Corbyn, forecaster for WeatherAction, said: “There is a strong chance of wintry showers in the run up to Christmas. “In terms of Christmas Day, although its early there is a chance we could see snow in Scotland and the far north.” The Met Office was more cautious saying Britons should wait until around a week before the big day before dusting off the sledges. Forecaster Emma Sharples said: “Once we get to to around 10 days before Christmas we will get an idea as to whether will be mild or colder.

PA A gritter on the A689 in Co Durham following overnight snowfall

“Then five days before Christmas we will be able to firm the forecasts up.” Temperatures in the north will dip to around -2C (28F) from today will chilly winds making it feel closer to -5C (23F). Elsewhere will see highs of around 9C (48F) in the coming days with overnight lows feeling close to -2C (28F) as far south as Kent. Weather Network forecaster Tiffany Curnick warned parts of Britain to brace for heavy rain today as the mercury starts to drop. She said rain will gradually turn to snow over high ground with more unsettled weather on the way next week. She said: “On Friday, a band of rain will spread southeast reaching southwest England, Wales and northern England by evening. “The rain will be heavy in places and will turn to squally, wintry showers in the northwest later in the day with snow accumulations possible over the Scottish Mountains.

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“Overnight on Friday the rain will quickly clear southeastwards with wintry showers continuing in the north, sleet and snow is possible at lower levels overnight with further snow accumulations over the Scottish Mountains. “It will feel colder, especially in the strong winds. “From Sunday and into next week it will remain unsettled with a succession of weather systems moving in from the Atlantic.” Bookies are already facing a deluge of bets on festive snow with punters splashing big bucks on at least a flurry.

Ladbrokes is offering 4/1 for wintry showers in London; 7/4 in Aberdeen; 5/1 Cardiff; 7/2 Leeds; 4/1 Manchester and 5/2 for Newcastle. Spokeswoman Jessica Bridge said: "The countdown to Christmas has well and truly started as far as punters are concerned as they have piled into the chances of snow on December 25th. “Bookies could face a bumper payout should there be a festive flurry this year." Coral has slashed the odds to 5/2 for snow in Aberdeen; 4/1 in Newcastle; 9/2 Leeds; 5/1 Liverpool; 11/2 Nottingham and 7/1 Cardiff. Spokeswoman Nicola McGeady said: “Punters are getting in the festive mood now as we have been absolutely snowed under with bets on a white Christmas. The odds suggest that Scotland is the most likely place to enjoy a winter wonderland on Christmas Day."

PA A snow-covered hillside at Killhope mine in Co Durham