Eight inches of snow will hit the West Midlands as the icy chill takes a firm grip, forecasters warned today.

Heavy snow will spread across the region next week, with prolonged falls on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to early predictions.

As temperatures dipped to -6 (21F) last night, forecasters said it was likely to get even colder next week – with no end in sight to the Arctic conditions.

Latest five-day forecast here.

Met Office forecaster Andy Lane said: “We’re tracking a low pressure area moving up from the south at the moment which looks like it will bring a heavy snowfall.

“We’re unsure as to the actual amounts because it’s five days away but it will probably impact on the West Midlands on Tuesday,” he added.

Three cars were stolen today from Bilston, Penn and Compton in Wolverhampton as owners left their vehicles unoccupied with the engines running to thaw them out.

Three cars have also been stolen in Dudley and another in Walsall since Wednesday.

All local weekend football was today cancelled in Sandwell and other areas were likely to follow suit.

Councils across the region today put schools on standby to prepare for snow next week.

The AA’s national breakdown centre in Oldbury last night dealt with 14,000 call-outs, compared to 9,500 on a normal November night. It is expecting 15,500 today.

Driving in snow? Read how to stay safe.

More snow fell in the north east and Scotland today, closing schools and causing major disruption.

The West Midlands will experience light flurries of snow tomorrow morning. Temperatures will only reach 2C (36F)  today, 1C (34F) tomorrow and 0C (32F) on Sunday.