Britain facing 700-mile wide 'Arctic attack' as temperatures 'plummet to -5C'

England could see its first snowfall of the season as the four-day chill blows in.

A 700-mile wide 'Arctic attack' was set to make Britain 'colder than Moscow' as temperatures 'drop to -5'. England could see its first snowfall of the season as the four-day chill blows in.

The early taste of winter was due to arrive on Thursday, with the Met Office warning of snow on Scottish mountains. Meanwhile BBC Weather predicted wintry flurries could fall on high ground in England, the Mirror reports.

By Friday, daytime highs will halve to just 10C even in parts of the south. Frosty nights were also expected, with lows around freezing in places in the south, and sub-zero in the north - dropping to an expected -5C, which is colder than the 3C lows in Moscow.

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Heavy downpours were also expected this week, according to BBC Weather, which said: “Colder air of Arctic origin will this week bring heavy rain or showers which could turn wintry over higher ground in Scotland and perhaps further south. It will be quite chilly, with frosty nights possible.”

The Met Office also forecast a wet start to the week. A spokesperson said: “Monday has heavy showers, with more persistent rain in the north following and a small chance of wind and rain in the far south in midweek. Colder weather, perhaps with snow on Scottish mountains, will work its way south by the end of the week.”

In its outlook for Tuesday to Thursday, the Met Office said there would be sunshine and showers, adding: "Some more persistent rain in the north. Small chance of wind and rain affecting the far south. Rain clearing southwards on Thursday to leave brighter, colder weather."