Snow to hammer UK after Polar blast brings -3C freeze – new maps | Weather | News

The maps also show the potential for snow to develop across parts of Scotland and northern England later in the week. The maps suggest wintry conditions could briefly return despite the official arrival of spring, with snow accumulation possible in areas including the Scottish Highlands, eastern Scotland and parts of northern England.

Cold air moving southwards from the Arctic is expected to bring lower temperatures across much of the UK, particularly during the night and early morning hours. Some of the coldest readings appear likely across rural parts of Scotland and northern England, where frost could become widespread.

Snow depth projections show patches of accumulating snow in parts of Scotland, with smaller areas of snowfall potentially reaching parts of northern England as the system moves through.

However, the Met Office says the overall outlook for the final days of March remains relatively settled for many areas.

In its long-range forecast covering Saturday, March 21 to Monday, March 30, the Met Office said high pressure is likely to dominate the start of the period, bringing largely dry conditions across the country.

The forecaster said: “Under the influence of high pressure, it will be a settled start to this period, with most places predominantly dry, although the odd shower cannot be ruled out in the southeast, and some rain may threaten the extreme north or northwest.”

Temperatures are expected to remain close to or slightly above average overall, although parts of southern England may feel cooler as a brisk easterly wind develops.

The Met Office added that spells of sunshine should help conditions feel pleasant in many areas during the day, despite the cooler breeze.

However, forecasters say confidence decreases later in the period, with some indications that showers or rain could return, particularly across the southern parts of the UK.

Meteorologists say that during early spring, it is not unusual for colder Arctic air to briefly return, bringing frost and the occasional snow shower even after milder conditions have developed.

While widespread disruption is not currently expected, the latest maps suggest parts of northern Britain could see a brief reminder of winter before temperatures gradually recover later in the month.