Snow - not just yet

The meteorologist said although snow has been falling in other parts of the country, the white stuff is unlikely to make an appearance here in the next six weeks, as the temperature is expected to rise.

Mr Eden said: “The current cold spell in the UK is quite sharp, but won’t last long, and snow is unlikely in south Beds.

“It has been snowing quite widely, though, over the northern half of Scotland, even on low ground, and that has probably initiated the suggestion that it might spread south.

“The end of October looks like being mild but changeable with strong winds and rain at times.

“November should also be fairly mild but unsettled with frequent rain.”

And after that it is hard to tell, for Mr Eden believes a forecast for the entire winter season is difficult at this stage.

He said: “There are lots of people who claim to be able to tell you what the winter will be like.

“Frankly, I wouldn’t touch any winter forecast with a barge pole, and the louder they proclaim their accuracy the bigger charlatans they actually are.”

Last year saw the coldest winter in Bedfordshire for more than 30 years, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing and snow causing traffic chaos, school closures and disruption to public services.

Both Luton Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council have insisted they are already prepared for wintry weather with tonnes of grit.