'Grit ready for a chilly -20°C'
Councils order 1.4million tonnes of grit
JUST days after a heatwave Brits have been warned to brace themselves for a cold snap with temperatures plunging to -20°C.
Nervous councils are busy stockpiling 1.4million tonnes of grit in preparation for another harsh winter and snow falling as early as next month.
On average councils have ordered 1,500 tonnes more salt than at the same time last year as forecasters predict the UK could be just weeks away from a sudden collapse in temperatures.
Forecaster James Madden, from Exacta Weather, said: "I expect the most frequent and heavy snowfalls to occur across many parts of the UK during November, December and January at present."
Temperatures dropped as far as -20°C last winter and Mr Madden said of the upcoming cold snap: "It is likely that temperature and snowfall records will be broken."
The Local Government Association (LGA) revealed authorities were aiming to stockpile more salt for October than the total amount used last winter.
Scotland has already seen snow this week, just days after record October temperatures saw bikini-clad sun seekers hit beaches around the UK.
And forecasters have predicted temperatures in the seventies (Fahrenheit) on Sunday and Monday.
Councillor Peter Box, LGA economy and transport chairman, said: "Whatever surprises the weather may have in store for us this winter, motorists can count on council highways teams being better prepared than ever before to keep disruption to a minimum."
"This year councils have more salt and better plans in place to make it go further while even more volunteers and community groups have been lined up to help with the great gritting effort."
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Express: http://www.express.c...-to-hit-Britain
The Sun: http://www.thesun.co...chilly-20C.html