Millions of telly viewers face missing their favourite shows this weekend as air pressure wreaks havoc with broadcasts. Viewers hoping to tune into the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and Match Of The Day this weekend could be out of luck for days as the freak weather system keeps interfering with signals across Britain.

The reports of distorted and blank screens which kicked off early last week, are down to a bout of powerful atmospheric pressure. High air pressure can cause signals from local transmitters to be lifted into the sky, seeing them drift off or overlap with signals from conflicting transmitters.

A spokesperson for Freeview, which provides TV channels to 60% of UK homes - watched by 40 million Brits - said: "High pressure could see disruption to TV reception. You are advised not to retune your TV during this time. Reception will be restored once the high pressure passes."

The BBC said: "High pressure conditions are predicted to disrupt TV and radio services. If your television picture starts to break up without warning, this could be the cause of the problem.

"There is nothing you can do but wait until the weather changes." The corporation added: "High pressure can cause two potential problems.

"The first is that you receive a weaker signal, as the signal from your local transmitter is lifted higher into the sky. The second is that the signal from a distant transmitter interferes with your reception."

Current conditions were only set to last until Wednesday (October 15), but customers are moaning their telly sets are still stuffed.

Linda Kelly fumed on Facebook: "I've been cursing at the TV," while Michelle Doherty raged: "My channels aren't working."

User Marian Armstrong wrote: "I've had bad reception this week so bought an aerial booster." Experts said transmitter masts' broadcasts to homes' aerials and radios are being jumbled by high air pressure up to 1040 millibars.

It's leaving aerials picking up mixed signals and shows disappearing altogether. Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: "It can lead to pixelation issues, particularly on Freeview via TV aerials, but even satellite signals are being get distorted."

The glitch will not affect viewers who are getting Freeview channels via broadband. This includes the likes of Sky's Glass and Stream services, as well as EE TV's IP channels or the Virgin Media Stream box.

Millions of TV and footie fans face blank screens due to ongoing freak weather system - Daily Star