UK weather: Met Office issues snow forecast for parts of the country

The aftermath of Hurricane Kirk is set to bring in periods of unsettled weather

The Met Office has issued a chilly forecast for the UK, with parts of the nation expected to witness snowfall next week. Following the tumultuous aftermath of Hurricane Kirk, the UK is bracing for a spell of unsettled weather.

As the remnants of the hurricane sweep across the country towards the end of next week, after its journey over the Atlantic, Brits are advised to prepare for wet and windy conditions.

Although Kirk will have diminished from its hurricane force by the time it arrives on British shores, it is anticipated to persist as a "moderately deep low pressure system" according to forecasters. This shift in weather patterns could bring about the first snowfall in months for some regions, the Met Office suggests.

In a long-range weather forecast covering October 8 to October 17, the Met Office predicts an "unsettled" period ahead, characterised by "frequent bouts of wind and rain associated with areas of low pressure". The heaviest rainfall is expected to drench the south before dispersing more broadly across the UK.

As temperatures take a dip, the coldest areas may experience some snow, particularly the mountainous regions of Scotland, including the Highlands, as noted by the Met Office, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The forecast elaborates: "Scotland and Northern Ireland are more likely to quickly turn colder with showers, and the colder weather (perhaps some sleet/snow on Scottish mountains) will most likely gradually work its way south following the clearance of ex-Kirk."

"A more settled interlude is then possible, but further spells of wind and rain, again with a focus across southern areas, are likely to arrive from the west towards the end of the period."

Its extended forecast for October 18 to November 1 indicates: "A continuation of low pressure systems tracking in from the Atlantic is the most likely scenario for the rest of October. This means wet and windy weather at times, especially across England and Wales, but with a suggestion that Scotland and Northern Ireland may be more likely to see longer breaks in the weather, and more in the way of drier spells.

"It is possible that these drier conditions could be seen more widely later in the month as higher pressure further north extends southwards for a time. This would also bring an increased chance of overnight fog and frost. Temperatures will tend to be close to average overall in the south, but probably below average in the north and northwest."