UK weather: Exact time snow to hit Britain revealed by Met Office – and a frosty cold snap is just days away
A FROSTY snap is on its way to the UK – with parts of the country set to be blanketed by snow.
The mercury has been climbing this week – with temperatures in London expected to hit 17C tomorrow.
But the Met Office has warned it won’t last for long – icy conditions are on the way.
Forecasters said the wintry weather could even see snow fall over the higher ground in Scotland as early as tonight.
The Met Office said: “Through Thursday night into Friday morning we could see some showers turn wintry over the higher ground of the Highlands in Scotland.
“Elevations over 400 metres may see in excess of 10cm of snow in the highest peaks, but that isn’t unusual for the time of year. That snow will start to disappear, with a couple of centimetres over Scottish mountains above 600/700 metres on Saturday and Sunday.
“Again, this is not unusual for the time of year and any of that lying snow will then start to disappear as the new week begins.”
Heavy rain earlier this week caused travel chaos with London’s Paddington station forced to shut on Tuesday.
The downpours also saw Brits heading to Cheltenham Racecourse forced to shelter under their coats and umbrellas.
Many took to social media to complain about the wet grounds and car parks, while others were snapped running through puddles in high heels and dress shoes.
But, forecasters said the mercury would likely climb to the low-to-mid teens in parts of the north later this week, and upper teens in southern areas.
The capital was expected to hit 17C tomorrow, while Edinburgh would likely climb to 14C.
The weather has been unsettled, and the Met said that’s what the next week will likely bring, too.
From Monday, forecasters said: “Into the new week a continuation of the changeable but generally mild conditions looks likely.
“Rain heaviest in western, especially northwestern areas while parts of the south and southeast are likely to see longer, drier interludes.
“Winds generally light to moderate in the south and east, with stronger winds affecting north-western areas at times, although at this time nothing exceptional is expected.
“Into the latter part of next week and beyond we see a trend for temperatures to fall back closer to average across the UK.
“There is a small chance of more notable colder conditions developing, most probable across the north of the UK, but at this stage any confidence in this remains low.”
Met Office's five-day weather forecast
Today:
A band of cloud and rain moves northwards across northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Can be heavy on western hill. Elsewhere rather cloudy, a few showers developing here and there during the afternoon. Feeling mild, particularly overnight.
Tonight:
Band of rain starts edging southwards. Clearer spells to the north of this with the odd shower and localised frost. South of band it remains mild and breezy but cloudy.
Friday:
Rain band continues to move southwards, but otherwise sunny with some showers, possible thunder at times and wintry for Scottish mountains. Colder than Thursday but remains mild in the south.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Turning cooler and more settled on Saturday, with a widespread frost in the North. Turning milder and unsettled again from the West through Saturday afternoon.