Turning colder with snow for some

Turning colder with snow for some

There is a bit of a grey, cloudy start for many this week before a marked change to colder conditions.

On Tuesday the winds start to pick up as a low pressure system approaches the UK from the west. This system will then bring a spell of heavy rain and strong winds for much of the country on Wednesday and into Thursday.

As the low pressure system passes to the north of Scotland it will draw down cold air and by Friday the whole of the UK is expected to be under the influence of an Arctic Maritime air mass. Daytime temperatures will vary from just above freezing to around 6 °C, and with strong winds continuing to affect much of the country, wind chill will make it feel bitterly cold.

Strong winds and coastal gales on Thursday and Friday are also expected to lead to large waves which if they coincide with high tides down the east coast, could increase the risk of coastal flooding.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: "On Friday conditions will be cold enough for any showers that we do see to fall as snow across the country. The most frequent showers and greatest risk of snow settling, which may cause disruption, will be for areas exposed to a north to northwesterly winds. There is still some uncertainty regarding the precise wind direction later in the week and this will be key to determining where the largest snow accumulations will be.”

Despite the cold, many central and southern parts should still see a good deal of dry and sunny weather.

Blizzard conditions are likely over high ground in the north during the snow showers.