Met Office names six Scottish areas facing snow on Friday

The Met Office has warned that parts of Scotland could see snow on Friday as a cold snap affects much of the UK. A weather map from the forecaster shows snowfall in six areas of northern Scotland in the early hours of Friday, including Strathan and Loch Glascarnoch.

Coldest temperatures of the season

Paddy Manning, a Met Office spokesman, said Thursday and Friday could see "some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far". The lowest temperatures are expected in rural areas of north-west and south of England, the Midlands, southern Scotland and south-west and central Wales.

Mr Manning said temperatures could plummet below -5C in what he described as this winter's "first pretty significant cold snap". He added that the drop in temperatures would be brief, with the mercury expected to climb over the weekend, and confirmed snow would likely be restricted to hilltops in the Scottish Highlands.

Cold health alert issued

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its first cold health alert of the season. The yellow warning, covering the north-west of England and West Midlands, is in place until midday on Saturday.

On Thursday, the Met Office said cold Arctic air has moved south across the UK, with a "brisk northerly wind making it feel particularly chilly". It continued: "Northern Scotland has the greatest chance of seeing snow, with wintry showers affecting northern and eastern Scotland and the Northern Isles."

Snow accumulations and forecast

According to the Met Office, "Snow is most likely above a few hundred metres, although temporary accumulations could occur as low as 200-300 metres. Around 2-5 cm could accumulate above 400 metres. Across the far north and northeast, showers will be frequent and blustery at times."

The forecaster added: "Snow will principally affect higher ground, rather than bringing widespread disruption at lower levels. With cold air remaining in place, the risk of snow continues across parts of northern Scotland through the weekend."

Most places can expect frost rather than significant snowfall, the Met Office said. No weather warnings are currently in place for this week.

The Met Office's UK forecast for Friday states: "On Friday, plenty of autumnal sunshine for England and Wales. It will be cloudier in Northern Ireland, while showers move into northwest Scotland. Overnight, remaining cold with widespread frost."