Britain 'braced for the big freeze'

Sunshine is forecast to accompany chilly winds from the east before a cold snap hits the country in earnest on Sunday, according to meteorologists.

People will need to wrap up warm and expect disruption on the roads as the wintry weather moves in from the east.

But Britons who have been sheltering from the deluge of rain in recent weeks will be surprised to learn that January's rainfall has been a little less than average.

A dry cold start to the month balanced out the following days of heavy rain. The average rainfall in England and Wales this month was 100mm, just under last year's figure of 130mm and entirely in line with expected levels for this time of year, say forecasters.

But as temperatures drop the AA have warned motorists to ensure they keep warm clothes in the car after dealing with unprepared drivers "flirting with hypothermia" at breakdowns during the last big freeze.

The advice from the UK's biggest breakdown service came ahead of another icy blast.

AA Patrol of the Year Andy Taylor said: "People often treat their car as an overcoat. But when you break down you are suddenly vulnerable to the weather.

"If you break down on a motorway, the safety advice is to get out of the car and wait behind the barrier. Unless you have extra clothes you really are flirting with hypothermia."

Snowstorms from Russia will herald the start of February during the coldest winter for 13 years.