The Met Office has set out when and where snow could fall across the UK this week, as temperatures drop sharply. With colder Arctic air spreading over the country, many areas are expected to see the first frost of autumn as a colder weather phase takes hold.
Forecasters have warned that temperatures could fall below -4C in some rural areas, with snow expected in certain locations. While Friday (November 13) is expected to be sunny across most of the UK, it will be cold and frosty for many, with daytime temperatures generally around 6C to 8C.
Widespread frost and plunging overnight temperatures
Widespread frost is expected going into Saturday morning, particularly across southern, central and eastern areas. Chris Bulmer, a Met Office chief forecaster, said: "The UK forecast has moved to a colder phase with the daytime temperatures for most locations likely to stay in single figures.
"Overnight temperatures on Friday night will dip again to -4 or even -6 C in some locations, meaning another significant ground frost for many locations."
Over the weekend, the forecast is set to become more unsettled, with heavier rain and showers moving in from the west. In areas over higher ground, this is likely to turn to snow.
Where and when snow could fall
Much of the Midlands, eastern and south-eastern England should start Saturday dry, sunny and frosty. However, rain is expected across northern and central Scotland, with further showers affecting northern England and north Wales.
The main risk of snow is expected across northern Scotland on Saturday night into Sunday, as rain meets colder air. Wintry showers could also affect eastern Scotland and the Northern Isles throughout the weekend.
Some snow could reach lower levels, but the most significant amounts are expected on higher ground. The Met Office says around 2cm is possible above 200 metres, with several centimetres over higher routes and potentially 5 to 10cm over the tops of the hills.
Sunday will remain mixed, as snow across northern Scotland gradually eases, while cloud and patchy rain or showers could spread into western areas and Northern Ireland. England and Wales should remain largely dry, although increasingly cloudy.
Outlook into next week
Looking at the medium range forecast from Sunday, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: "The outlook is changeable with spells of rain, sleet and some hill snow.
"On Sunday, low pressure will bring rain or showers to many areas. Precipitation will be most persistent across northern Scotland, where there is an increasing chance of snow developing later in the day. This will mainly fall over high ground, where accumulations are likely, but some snow could fall to lower levels too. Ice may also become a hazard."
