JUST when you thought we were past the worst after the coldest December for 17 years, scientists are warning that the UK could be gripped by more freezing and snowy winters.

Environmental experts say that could be the result of changes to ocean currents brought on by warming in the Arctic.

Researchers believe that the melting of glacial ice could be contributing to the ocean becoming less saline, or “freshening”, and warmer – potentially leading to changes in the circulation of the seas.

Simon Boxall, of the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, said the Arctic was changing faster than previous models had suggested, and that over the past four years the surface area of Arctic ice had shrunk to levels predicted for 2070.

Sledgers take to Boulton Bench last December as snow blankets Hampshire

He said the changes in conditions in the Arctic were “not just about polar bears and their habitats, it’s about the habitats in Britain and worldwide”.

Referring to a disaster movie depicting a world thrown into a deep freeze, he said: “It’s not a catastrophic The Day After Tomorrow-type scenario, but we would notice winters become slightly cooler, and summers would be slightly wetter and cooler.

“It’s not catastrophic – we’re not going to see the Channel freezing over.”

But he said the UK could witness more snowy winters, similar to the conditions the country experienced last month.

And while globally, the planet is experiencing rising temperatures, climate change could mean some areas become cooler and wetter rather than hotter and drier.

“It shows a disruption to the equilibrium we’ve been used to for the past few thousand years, during which time civilisation as we know it has grown up,” he added.

He was speaking ahead of an expedition to the Arctic as part of efforts to establish how it is melting – which will help them predict if the ocean currents will change.