Gritters set for return of big freeze

The big freeze is set to return to the West Midlands this weekend, with snow expected across the region.

Gritting lorries were on standby today as forecasters warned of a freezing start to February due to a cold blast blowing in from Russia on Sunday.

Snow will hit the Black Country and Staffordshire on Monday and Tuesday as the coldest winter since the 1980s continues.

The mini-freeze will see temperatures drop from the current 6C (42F) to 2C (35F) during the day and -2C (28F) overnight.

Barry Grommett, spokesman for the Met Office, said today: "It will actually feel even colder because of the wind chill from Sunday onwards.

"There will be snow flurries on both Monday and Tuesday and maybe a little on Sunday night in the Midlands."

Click here to see a seven-day forecast.