A blizzard is set to hit Scotland and the UK within a fortnight, with temperatures dropping to -3C, and up to 3cm of snow is expected in some areas, as well as heavy rain
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
12:01, 30 Oct 2025
People have been warned not to make a radiator mistake as the cold weather hits (stock image)(Image: PIKSEL via Getty Images)
Scotland and the north of England are bracing for a cold snap in November, making it crucial to keep homes cosy. A chilling arctic blizzard is predicted to sweep across the UK within two weeks, with temperatures expected to plunge to -3C, as per weather maps. The evening of November 4th at 6pm is expected to see snow and rain engulfing half of England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
According to WXCharts’ weather maps, up to 3cm of snow will blanket northern Scotland, covering most of the country. The snowfall is forecasted to reach as far south as Leeds, turning into a downpour over Manchester and Liverpool, with up to 3mm falling per hour. Although the south of England is expected to stay dry, it won’t be spared from the freezing temperatures.
The latest GFS model maps also suggest a significant blizzard is set to hit Scotland on 13th November, particularly around Inverness, Wick and Aberdeen.
Light snow or sleet may also fall in southern Scotland and northern England, including Newcastle and areas of the Pennines. Thankfully, central and southern England – from Manchester and Birmingham down to London – is likely to remain mostly cold and dry, with only a few coastal showers expected.
With temperatures predicted to drop sharply, social media is abuzz with residents seeking advice on how to stay warm, highlighting the importance of professional guidance.
James Higgins, a flooring expert at Online Carpets, has shared six simple and affordable ways to increase warmth in your home without cranking up the heating. From clever furniture placement to effective window insulation, these tips should help keep you cosy without causing your energy bills to skyrocket.
1. Don’t block radiators with furniture
Higgins warned against the temptation to place your sofa or bed directly against the radiator in winter to soak up the heat. “When large pieces of furniture obstruct radiators, the heat can’t circulate properly around the room. Instead, the warmth gets trapped behind the furniture, leaving the rest of your room feeling chilly.”
He advised: “If you’ve turned your heating on, try leaving a clear space in front of radiators. This allows the heat to move freely, making the whole room feel warmer and more comfortable.”
2. Choose carpet fibres like wool that retain heat
When it comes to flooring options, Higgins stressed the importance of material choice. He explained: “Carpets made from natural fibres like wool are brilliant at retaining heat. Wool fibres trap air, providing insulation underfoot that helps to keep warmth inside the home, perfect if you’re looking for some extra insulation.
“Synthetic options such as polypropylene can also be a great choice as they’re durable, budget-friendly, and still offer good insulation compared to hard flooring surfaces like laminate or tiles. A well-chosen carpet or rug not only feels soft but can cut down on heat loss in certain areas of your home.
“If you are thinking of replacing any flooring, you can also look at getting underlays placed for your carpets. Carpet underlay will not only provide you with extra heat and noise insulation but can also extend the lifespan of your carpet and provide extra comfort underfoot, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to lock in more heat during the colder months.”
3. Layer rugs and fabrics for instant warmth on hard floors
Placing a large rug over wooden, vinyl or laminate flooring is among the fastest methods to add warmth to a room, according to Higgins.
He said: “Rugs stop draughts from coming through floorboards, create an extra layer of insulation, and make spaces feel instantly cosier.
“Opt for thick, dense rugs in living areas or runners in hallways for maximum impact. Not only will they keep feet warm, but they’ll also protect your flooring from everyday wear and tear.”
4. Add soft furnishings like wool throws for warmth
“Textiles can play a huge role in how warm your space feels,” said the expert. “Layer up your wool throws, chunky knits, and velvet cushions to create that inviting “snuggle-up” vibe. These soft furnishings not only keep you physically warm but also make your home feel visually warmer and more cosy.
As an additional styling tip, James also suggested incorporating warm-toned accessories such as cushions or blankets “in shades of terracotta, deep green, or caramel for a cosy, autumn-winter look”.
He added: “Even small touches, like a wooden side table or a jute rug, can bring that organic cosiness to a room, but this is just a bonus, not a necessity.”
5. Insulate your windows with heavy, lined curtains
“As mentioned, windows are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss in your home,” said Higgins. “Keeping your curtains open in the day to let sunlight in, and then closing them as soon as it gets dark can help trap warmth inside your home rather than letting it escape through the glass.”
“Heavy or lined curtains work especially well, as thicker fabrics like velvet or wool act as an extra layer of insulation.”
James explained that heavy curtains retain heat more effectively because the dense material forms a barrier between the warm indoor air and the cold air outside.
He said: “This reduces heat transfer through the glass, keeping warm air circulating inside your home instead of being lost.”It can be tempting to place your sofa or bed right up against the radiator in winter to capture the warmth, but this will actually make your home feel colder,”By blocking draughts and slowing down how quickly heat escapes, curtains can make a noticeable difference to both the comfort of your living spaces and your energy bills.”
6. Block draughts with door excluders
Even a minor draught can make your room feel significantly colder. Gaps beneath your doors or around frames allow chilly air in and warm air to escape, which can reduce heating efficiency,” according to Higgins.
He advised: “Invest in simple draught excluders or self-adhesive draught strips to block gaps under internal and external doors. They’re inexpensive, easy to fit, and make a noticeable difference to how warm your home feels without turning on the heating.”
