Cooler temperatures in the U.K. put a focus on growing energy demand

Temperatures in the U.K. and other northern European countries are expected to plummet below zero this week. The cold snap will boost energy demand and test the region's ability to withstand adverse weather conditions. 

The Met Office reported that Arctic air masses forming at polar latitudes could bring temperatures down as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius. Moderate precipitation is also expected in the south of the U.K. by the end of the week. Moreover, the Met Office predicted worsening weather conditions and issued a yellow warning for the north of Scotland. The snowfall may hamper traffic on roads and railways. 

Temperatures are also reported to be below average in continental Europe. Stockholm, for instance, could record a 7.5°C drop on Thursday, as Maxar Technologies Inc. said. London is going to hit a low of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, which is 7.4 degrees below the national seasonal average. 

Freezing temperatures are likely to put pressure on the region's fragile energy systems, as more households increase their heating capacity. Thus, gas storage facilities across Europe, filled close to capacity after a mild autumn, could be running out of fuel as a result of a cold snap.