Brits are being urged to prepare for the "worst winter in decades" as the Beast from the East is set to strike the nation.

Icy cold spells of -15C are forecasted to last for weeks as freezing conditions set in across the country.

People are being warned to take care and prepare themselves for bitterly cold weather when the Arctic snap arrives.

Glacial conditions from the Beast of the East killed 17 people last year as the mercury plunged to dangerous lows of -14C.

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Energy provider British Gas has even advised Brits to prepare for freezing conditions.

Hannah Hughes, a British Gas engineer, said: "After basking in the sun this summer, it looks like we're going from one weather extreme to the next.

"Rather than wait until the weather turns cold before finding out something's not working as it should be, we're advising customers to prepare in advance.

"Now is the time to test your boiler and make a few small changes around the home to ensure your heating and hot water systems are ready to withstand the weather that's coming."

The Met Office refer to the freezing jet stream as the Beast from the East, as wintry conditions in the UK are usually a result of easterly winds.

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Forecasters have said the sweep is likely to hit the UK in January – a stark contrast to the warm autumn expected.

Weather Outlook spokesman Brian Gaze said: "Computer forecast models support the three-month period ahead being among the warmest on record.

"Indian summer-like settled and sunny weather is forecast to start in a week's time, lasting a week or more and seeing high up to 26C."

The warmer weather follows a blistering summer which saw Brits exposed to highs of 38C.

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The Met Office has predicted blustery showers, and strong winds will set in across the UK this week with further gusts to power through until Thursday and much of Friday.

It said: "Cloud and rain will gradually clear southwards from England and Wales – leaving warm sunny spells for all but the far south in the afternoon.

By the end of the week and certainly into the weekend – Scotland and Northern Ireland will see some blast of cloud and rain as the South battles below average temperatures."

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