Britons have been advised to stockpile food, as a brutal polar vortex is set to batter the nation this winter.
Arctic winds, driven by a strengthening El Niño climate pattern, are expected to hit the UK, bringing cold, snowy conditions and high winds.
A disrupted polar vortex, weakened by El Niño, will trap freezing winds in the Arctic and channel them towards Europe and North America.
As such, energy giant British Gas has warned Britons to take necessary precautions ahead of winter.
Recommended steps include stockpiling at least three days’ worth of food and other essentials in an easily accessible place in the home.
British Gas advises this emergency store should include drinking water, long-lasting food, medicine, and extra blankets to help endure any severe weather.
To prepare for being stranded at home, Britons have also been advised to have plans in place to stay in contact with the rest of their household and loved ones should heavy snow hit.
The guidance also suggests checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and family members in the event of a cold snap.
Britons have been advised to stockpile food ahead of a polar vortex
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Pets are also advised to stay indoors if temperatures drop significantly, with an additional warning that antifreeze is toxic to both cats and dogs.
For those travelling during the potentially difficult weather period, British Gas suggests providing a car kit.
They suggest this should include food, water, blankets, a torch, antifreeze and other items to help defrost a car.
British Gas also advises Britons to prepare their homes for a cold snap by sealing gaps around windows and doors to keep heat in and insulating exposed pipes to help prevent them from freezing and bursting.
British Gas advises storing at least three days’ worth of food and drinking water
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The advice also suggests checking your roof, gutters and overhanging branches for potential problems before snow and ice arrive.
El Niño, which occurs when sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific become unusually warm, is continuing to strengthen and is expected to peak in November or December.
Predictions suggest the phenomenon could be one of the strongest on record.
The Met Office has warned a warm and wet autumn is about one-and-a-half to two times more likely than usual, with the risk of heavy rain and strong winds increasing, particularly from November.
The wetter conditions could provide some relief to parts of the country still suffering from drought, although forecasters warned a rapid shift from dry to wet weather could also increase the risk of flooding.
Ian Lisk, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said the latest forecasts were consistent with the historical influence of El Niño events.
“The latest seasonal forecasts suggest an increased likelihood of wetter than average conditions as we move through autumn,” he said.
However, Mr Lisk stressed El Niño was only one of several factors influencing the UK’s weather, and a particularly strong event did not necessarily mean the UK would experience more severe conditions.