Exact time and locations Met Office forecasts snow for Saturday

The Met Office has confirmed that snow is likely to fall on Saturday, but only in certain regions of Scotland. However, meteorologists are on high alert for potential snowfall further south as temperatures are expected to drop even lower over the weekend.

On Wednesday, it was -2.1C in Shap, Cumbria, and -2.6C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday, marking a cold week for many. With an Arctic wind predicted to move southwards from Friday, forecasters anticipate icy, wet and potentially snowy conditions across the weekend.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said that around 4cm of snow is expected to fall over three hours on Saturday afternoon in the Scottish Highlands, parts of Aberdeenshire and some areas of Stirling. He added: "It is only really across Scotland... Obviously, it wouldn't take much of a swing and for that air to be a bit colder when that air comes in for snow to be seen at lower levels, but at this stage it is looks like it is just going to be snow on the hills in Scotland."

The weather service emphasised the significance of this forecast as it represents the "proper cold push we have seen" this winter, despite the season not officially starting yet.

Mr Deakin concluded: "Because it has been so mild, it really would be noticeable that we'll see that drop in temperatures... After that (Saturday), the uncertainty grows," reports the Mirror.

Rain is on the cards for many areas this Saturday, with the Midlands expected to bear the brunt in the afternoon. Eastern England is set to be drenched with significant rain during Saturday evening, forecasts the Met Office.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway expressed concerns stating: "The high pressure that has been responsible for the mainly dry weather through much of this week will retrogress into the Atlantic as we get towards the weekend. This will gradually introduce more unsettled weather, initially in the north from Friday but more widely from Sunday."

He added: "In addition to this increased rainfall, which could be heavy at times on Sunday, temperatures will also drop, especially for those in Scotland, as a northerly airflow develops, bringing colder Arctic air to some northern areas."

On the topic of possible snowfall and winds he noted: "This shift does introduce the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard. There is a lot of uncertainty by Sunday, but there remain a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds. Warnings for winter hazards are possible later in the weekend, so it's important to stay up to date with the latest forecast."