UK weather: An Arctic freeze? Snowstorms? The worst winter in years? Probably not, says Met Office after cold weather warnings

It has been billed by some as potentially one of the worst winters we have seen in years, with record low temperatures and widespread snow throughout December.

Yet while some forecasters predict "a very severe winter ahead", the Met Office has said temperatures throughout much of next month are expected to remain "around average for the time of year", with a "chance of some overnight and morning frost and fog in places."

Temperatures over the weekend could rise to the teens in some places, and while the beginning of December could be colder than usual, this should level out throughout the rest of the month, the Met Office has predicted.

In a somewhat alarming forecast, Exacta Weather's James Madden told The Express how the sulphur emitted during volcanic activity earlier in the year in Iceland was going to block out sunlight during the winter months, which would only serve to exacerbate the wintry conditions in the UK.

He said: "It is likely to turn very cold at times with the risk of some widespread snow events throughout December, and a notable period of exceptional cold and significant snow should be taken seriously throughout the latter part of December and into January."

Piers Corbyn of WeatherAction meanwhile told the paper next month was "likely to see close to record low temperatures with potentially a very severe winter ahead."

Speaking to The Independent, the Met Office has said next week was likely to be "fairly settled" with average temperatures.

Spokesperson Nicola Maxey said: "Next week we are looking at high pressure across the UK. So that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be warm, there's a weak front that comes through on Monday, but after that we are looking at a fairly settled week with some brighter patches, temperatures around normal for this time of year.

"The average temperature for November is 9C – today and tomorrow we are looking at temperatures in their teens."

The Met Office's outlook over the next 30 or so days suggests that from Tuesday next week cloud and patchy rain in the southeast will clear, while brighter and colder conditions will follow from the northwest.

The northwest itself will be hit with showers while a period of largely settled weather will develop thereafter, "with variable cloud and sunny spells with the risk of frost and fog patches forming by night."

Wind and occasional rain could also affect the northwest and may extend further southeast.

The Met Office forecast suggests temperatures will be "often below average and rather cold at times, especially where fog lingers, but somewhat milder in the far northwest. Into the week after next, northwestern parts are likely to see the most unsettled conditions with southeastern areas remaining more settled."

Looking further ahead, the Met Office outlook for 12 December to Boxing Day says there "is no strong signal in weather patterns during this period."

It does suggest however that the most likely situation would see unsettled and, particularly in the west, windy weather.

The forecast suggests: "Temperatures are generally expected to be around average for the time of year. There is a chance of some overnight and morning frost and fog in places."

It does admit however that there is "a chance of some snow on higher ground in the north".

Yesterday, the Met Office said this autumn was on course to be the third warmest on record for the UK, although rainfall was close to average.