COLD’S COMING: Mild weather to come to an abrupt halt

The mild weather is set to come to an abrupt halt, forecasters predict.

By Thursday, a swathe of cold air is set to envelop the country – with temperatures returning to average for the time of year.

A Met Office spokesman said showers could turn wintry over higher hills in the East Midlands on Thursday and Friday.

November was the third mildest on record, according to statistics – and the first eight days of December have seen above-average temperatures.