Parts of Britain prepare for coldest November spell for 25 years

A level 2 cold weather warning was issued by meteorologists at the Met Office Monday saying all parts of England should be braced for several days of prolonged temperatures.

One report said some parts of Britain could experience the coldest November spell for 25 years, with temperatures dropping to minus 8 degrees C.

The alert was issued as gaming companies, the so-called bookmakers in Britain, cut the odds Monday on bets for a White Christmas this year.

All parts of England, except for London, are likely to experience colder conditions in the coming days, according to the Met Office which Monday declared its cold weather alert.

The cold weather forecasts across most of England, with all affected regions likely to experience prolonged low night and daytime temperatures, prompted warnings to take care from Public Health England (PHE).

The warning came as Andy Page, chief operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said there are indications that a cold start to winter is more likely than normal.

Dr Angie Bone of the Extreme Events team at Public Health England (PHE) issued a warning about the dangers of the forthcoming freezing weather.

Bone said: "Cold does kill, even in places where the temperatures aren't at their lowest. Now is the time to prepare for the cold weather forecast by the Met Office, and to think of those you know who are older, very young, or have pre-existing health conditions who are particularly vulnerable."

The Met's Andy Page said: "Looking ahead into December and beyond, there are indications that a cold start to winter is more likely than normal, but this doesn't guarantee snow nor does it mean we won't see spells of mild and wet weather at times."

For some people planning a gambling flutter on a white Christmas this year could prove that every snow cloud has a silver lining.

The main high-street Bookies have cut the odds of a white Christmas with the news that a cold snap is set to sweep the country.

William Hill are now offering odds of 3/1 odds on a white Christmas in Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Cross the border from Scotland into northern England and the winnings will be higher with 5 to 1 odds offered for a white Christmas in Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle, as well as London.

Striking it lucky if snow falls on Dec. 25 will be people in Birmingham, Penzance, Bristol, and Norwich as well as the capital of Wales, Cardif as well as Irish capital Dublin, all offered odds of 7 to 1. Endit