As Brits brace themselves for the coldest winter in 20 years, weather forecasters predict a big freeze that is being termed as “beast from the East” to enter Britain from Russia, which is set to make Britain colder than the North Pole.

Bitter temperatures and widespread snow coupled with blizzards, sleet and rain will sweep through Britain today. Inevitable disruptions are said to occur on roads and railways across the country including in snow-hit Cumbria and the North East of England, due to the tumultuous weather.

The Met Office predicted there would be more snow flurries and ice tomorrow as well as 60mph gales in the South of England and 40mph gusts in the Midlands. Lows of -12C are expected in some areas of Britain but Londoners will escape the worst of the arctic conditions and can expect to enjoy relatively bearable temperatures of -5C.

Over the weekend, London is expected to become colder with the Met Office warning people to be cautious of icy pavements. The Health Department extended its cold weather health alert until at least Sunday, ordering staff to contact the elderly and vulnerable in the North East.

Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said, “Forecast models show a Beast from the East weather system next week, with massive high pressure from Siberia to Scandinavia pushing easterly winds across the UK. There’s a good chance of much of the country seeing lying snow, with growing signs of the weather turning very cold. This weather set-up usually lasts a week.”

Weather forecasters say maximum temperatures this weekend might reach 7C before the “Beast from the East” descends, marking the onset of the coldest winter in 20 years.