SEVERAL weather forecasts are predicting the UK could be hit by snow before the end of the month and may be facing its worst winter in more than 50 years.

Meteorologists at Exacta Weather said a colder-than-average month is in store in October before November and December usher in bitter conditions.

Exacta Weather forecaster James Madden said: "October is now looking like it will turn out to be colder than average with more of a chance of something wintry setting in through the second half of the month.

"There is a strong chance of widespread frosts and the chance of snowfall which will set the scene for November.

"This will pave the way for what is shaping up to be a colder than average winter with some extreme cold weather events."

He said Brits should prepare for snow after snow as weather systems from the Atlantic clash with cold, stagnated air over the UK.

But predictions from the Met Office seem to contradict the forecast, with no indication that Sussex will be blasted by exceptionally cold air.

They also point out that it is impossible to make accurate predictions about day-to-day weather further ahead than 30 days.

Their official forecast for the remainder of the month predicts that temperatures "should remain around average for this time of the year, which means there could be potential for overnight frost or fog on clear nights, but it may feel milder in any sunshine during the day."

And into the first two weeks of November, the country will be greeted by largely settled and dry weather.

They said: "Clear conditions at night may allow temperatures to fall a little below average with overnight frosts and fog patches likely.

"Towards the middle of the month, there is a chance of more unsettled conditions with some rain or showers possible at times, however there is high uncertainty this far ahead."

A spokeswoman for the Met Office said they have not provided a forecast for the winter as a whole.

"The Met Office does a detailed site specific seven-day forecast and then a look at weather trends out to 30 days, however really the science does not exist yet to make accurate predictions about day to day weather further ahead than 30 days," she said.