Midlands braced for sleet and snow

Wintry showers arrived in the West Midlands today as forecasters talked of the prospect of a white Christmas.

Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing this week, with the first few flakes of snow appearing from tomorrow.

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Forecasters today said there was a chance of a white Christmas, although the odds remained against the chance of the white stuff making an appearance.

Temperatures dropped to 3C (37F) last night and people are being warned to brace themselves for even colder spells over the next few days.

Helen Chivers, Met Office spokeswoman, said temperatures would reach highs of just 5C (41F) today, with plenty of cloud and drizzle.

"Overnight it will turn dry for a time with clear spells but temperatures dipping to freezing," she said.

"First thing tomorrow morning, we might just see the first flakes of snow in the air although it won't amount to very much before the rain and drizzle sets in again.

"On Thursday, we will see a brisk north easterly wind."