winter

BRITAIN is on alert for a “major” Arctic freeze to bring sub-zero temperatures and snow after the weekend.

Icy gales threaten blizzard conditions in parts of the country with widespread hail and sleet forecast.

Snowfall will hit Scotland and high ground across northern England early next week before hail and sleet nudge further south, experts say.

The snow risk will escalate into next weekend with heavy flurries possible across Wales and central England.