Weather forecasters are predicting Harpenden lows of -4, highs barely above freezing and snow!

The UK is finally experiencing a more prolonged spell of wintry weather; this cold spell is expected to last well into next week, with Harpenden's daytime temperatures predicted to be barely above freezing. 

The Met Office has issued a warning of severe cold weather across much of England until at least Thursday.  And last week, health authorities issued a Level 2 alert to warn the elderly to take extra care during the big freeze.

According to forecasters Harpenden can expect lows of -4 degrees Celsius, on Thursday and Friday, and highs of just 3 degrees Celsius towards the end of the week.  Looking ahead into next week forecasters are currently predicting light snow for Monday and Tuesday.

So why are we experiencing this cold snap?  Well, a high pressure system over Scandinavia and western Russia is set to push easterly winds towards the UK as the week progresses, causing the longest spell of cold weather so far this winter.

And just in case the weather causes disruptions to local services.....

•    In the event of schools needing to close many schools have text alert systems set up to let parents know.  If in doubt the County Council's website  shows the status of school closures and provides information on when they aim to reopen.

•    You can check out salting routes, salting decisions, find out where your nearest salt bin is etc is on the County Council website here.  Herts Highways also encourages locals to track the schedule of road gritters on twitter @herts_highways or with RSS feeds direct to computers or mobile phones. Go to the Council's website to sign up to the service here.

•    The First Capital Connect's website features a live train updates page, where news on the service is provided, and you can view live train departures. You can also register for travel alerts by email, SMS or follow the network on twitter.

•    And for buses the Intalink website provides up to date information of what's happening on the buses. Stay up to date with your journey plans by following them on twitter.