Met Office issues snow verdict as temperatures set to plummet this weekend

The Met Office has confirmed there is 'the possibility of snow' as temperatures plummet across much of the UK over the weekend.

The forecasters has said colder and 'more unsettled' weather is on the way 'as a northerly airflow develops'. A blast of Arctic air could bring snow to some higher ground in the north of the UK, particularly in Scotland, from Sunday, the Met Office predicts.

Some warnings 'for winter hazards' may be put in force over the weekend as temperatures drop. On the change in weather conditions over the coming days, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: "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.

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"This will gradually introduce more unsettled weather, initially in the north from Friday but more widely from Sunday. 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 chance of snow, Mr Sidaway added: "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."

In Greater Manchester, after a largely overcast and dry week, temperatures will begin to drop from Sunday. Highs of only around 7C are expected throughout Sunday afternoon.

Overnight into Monday, the mercury will plummet to as low as 3C, though forecasters believe it will feel more like 1C. Temperatures are not expected to rise above 6C during Monday afternoon, though conditions are expected to remain largely dry in our region.

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