Britons are being warned to brace for an Arctic blast bringing heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures as forecasters suggest a deep freeze could hit the UK in January.
Experts say a change in wind patterns in the atmosphere could push through a similar phenomenon to the Beast from the East.
The "increased likelihood" of a freezing spell could hit the UK following a "sudden stratospheric warming" (SSW) which is forecast for early January.
It comes after Britain was battered with gale-force winds and unsettled conditions in December.
Experts say a change in wind patterns in the atmosphere could push through a similar phenomenon to the Beast from the East
WXCHARTS
According to the latest weather maps, temperatures could plunge to -5C in parts of Scotland on January 6.
Professor Liz Bentley, chief executive of the Royal Meteorological Society explained that it is "too soon" to determine where in Europe the cold weather will strike.
"When you get an SSW it increases the likelihood of a prolonged cold spell across Northern Europe, like the Beast from the East," she told Sky News.
"It could impact the UK, it has the potential to, but I wouldn't like to say it's likely to."
Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon added: "It's too early to tell if there will be a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event at the moment.
"Forecast models suggest a much weakened polar vortex over the coming weeks, but it's not clear if this will result in an SSW or exactly how this will influence the UK's weather patterns at this range."
Forecasts for January suggest the UK could see a phenomenon called a dislocation of the polar vortex - the vast circle of cold air that circles the North Pole.
Senior Meteorologist and Social Commentator, Jim Dale said experts are monitoring an arm of polar air which looks like it could hit Central Europe, and possibly the UK next month.
Experts say a change in wind patterns in the atmosphere could push through a similar phenomenon to the Beast from the East
Net weather
"It's almost like a battleground between the polar air and the temperate air. We (the UK) happen to be right in the crosshairs, which is why Scotland had snow recently particularly on high ground, and everywhere else didn't," he told the Express.
"Now if it is far enough west, it will come to us.
"It's too far away to be certain but we and other meteorologists are tracking it to see if we get the type of event that we saw a couple of times last year where you had the M25, M6 and M62 and drivers trapped in their cars.
