Met Office names 10 areas facing Polar Vortex snow on Thursday

The Met Office has said ten areas could see snowfall on Thursday as cold weather begins to sweep across the UK. Snow showers could be seen in parts of northern Scotland and the Northern Isles in the early hours.

It comes after the Met Office last week warned of disturbances to the stratospheric polar vortex high above the Arctic. Experts said there are signs that a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), which can raise the likelihood of a long dry, cold spell of weather in Britain, is "developing".

Forecast for northern Scotland

In a forecast on Monday, Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: "Snow showers could briefly fall on lower ground in northern Scotland and the Northern Isles, mainly Shetland, overnight on Wednesday and into Thursday."

He said snow may only settle on higher ground, adding this is "relatively normal for the time of year".

Banffshire, Inverness-shire and Moray are among the areas that could see snow.

Colder conditions spreading south

Colder and increasingly frosty conditions are expected to spread south as the week goes on following a wet and foggy start for many. The Met Office said colder air is expected to move further south across the UK through Thursday and Friday.

Most places will become dry with some clear or sunny spells, the forecaster said. Showers could still be seen in the north and eastern parts, with some wintry showers over high ground in Scotland.

Temperature outlook

Temperatures are forecast to fall below average widely by Thursday and "particularly" Friday, according to the Met Office, as frost becomes increasingly widespread. The forecaster added the north-east is expected to feel especially chilly during "stronger winds".

Temperatures are expected to climb closer to the average over the weekend, with some rain possible, as high pressure moves towards mainland Europe.

The Met Office's Thursday to Saturday forecast states: "Feeling markedly colder with frosty nights ahead. Largely dry with plenty of autumnal sunshine, though showers around the coasts and wintry showers in the far north with strong winds."