UK warned 'first snow' will hit within days in 'big' weather shift

A dusting of snow is possible towards the end of the week - and before October starts - as low-pressure systems crash in from the Atlantic.

The first snow of autumn is set to hit Britain as a jet stream nosedives - to bring in a bitter northerly wind. A dusting of snow is possible towards the end of the week - and before October starts - as low-pressure systems crash in from the Atlantic.

Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services and social commentator, said: “We are looking at three seasons in one week, with the start of the week bringing heavy rain and the risk of flooding before colder air comes down from the north later.

“There is a big change on the way for the end of the week when it will feel colder, particularly in the north. Going into the weekend, temperatures could recover in southern parts of the country, but generally, the weather is going to change.”

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James Madden, from Exacta Weather, said: "Some very cold and snowy weather is to be expected throughout this winter and on a much larger scale than last winter, and we fully expect at least 2-4 major cold and snowy periods for certain dates between November and December."

Met office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: “We are getting more of a classic jet steam picking up, and the jet stream is getting more lively and it is getting more south shifted, and that is likely to bring low-pressure systems our way.

“There may be a window on Tuesday where much of the UK is fine before this weather system arrives, but it is likely that low pressure will dominate, and the south will be more susceptible to wet and windy spells. Generally, with low pressure nearby some heavy rain is likely and some gusty winds are also possible.”

Madden said: “This week will see a quite big U-turn as much colder and more unsettled weather takes over from around mid-week. We are expecting a more southerly driven jet stream over the next few days, and that will being low pressure, heavy rain and strong winds or gales in places.

“Additionally, it will also turn cold enough for wintry weather or snow across higher ground and some of the ski resorts.”