Met Office forecasts snow in Devon this week as temperatures plummet

Weather forecasters are expecting snow to fall in Devon this week as temperatures plummet. People across the nation have been warned of a bitter Arctic onslaught with snow and ice weather warnings in place.

The Met Office is forecasting snow on Dartmoor as soon as Wednesday morning, November 20. The outlook for Princetown shows light snow showers between 9am and midday.

Further flurries are then expected between 6pm on Thursday until the early hours of Friday morning, November 22. Forecasters expect the mercury to drop to 0C at this time with "feels like temperatures" reaching as low as -4C.

It comes as heavy snowfall is forecast for elsewhere in the UK this week. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold health alert for the Midlands and North of England.

The agency has also warned that weather conditions could have minor impacts on health and social care services. This could include increased use of healthcare services and a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.

The Met Office is expecting cold conditions across much "if not all" parts of the UK as we move into the week. The forecaster said: "Into the weekend likely turning to more wet and windy conditions with some snowfall on the leading edge of this.

"Into the following week possibly cooler again though wintry conditions mostly limited to northern hills with a potential for more organised areas of rain, snow and strong winds at times, this probably also associated with milder temperatures, at least in the south. Later in the period, conditions remain uncertain, but some indications for a further more settled spell around the turn of the month."

Met Office 5-day forecast for the South West

Today: Largely cloudy with periods of rain, this persistent and fairly heavy at times across Devon and Cornwall. Drier spells are likely too, these most prolonged in eastern counties. Mild in the west but becoming rather windy here later. Chilly elsewhere. Maximum temperature 11 °C.

Tonight: Temperatures rising this evening with rain turning more persistent and widespread, with heavy periods at times. Rain clearing to showers overnight and turning colder later. Windy with coastal gales possible. Minimum temperature 1 °C.

Tuesday: A cloudy and breezy morning with isolated blustery showers. Mainly dry during the afternoon with occasional sunny intervals but showery rain possible in west Cornwall. Feeling cold despite winds easing. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Staying cold with wintry showers possible on Wednesday and Friday but dry with sunny periods for most. More general rain, sleet and snow could occur on Thursday. Frost and ice.