UK to be as hot as Spain when temperatures skyrocket to 17C in 'subtropical surge'

Snow showers could soon hit parts of the UK as Brits prepare for a blast of winter weather, which is expected to arrive after some temperatures higher than in Spain

Snow showers could strike Britain by the end of the week - but only after a late October mini-heat wave.

The UK is expected to be as hot as Madrid at times this week before temperatures plummet by up to 15C within hours. Conditions could be as low as -4C in the Scottish Highlands and around zero elsewhere, a stark contrast to the next four days.

According to WX Charts, the mercury could reach the high teens in places on October 29, with some areas reaching 17C. Wales, similarly, will see conditions between 13C and 15C - the same in Northern Ireland.

It comes as the Met Office confirmed the possibility of snow in its long-range forecast for the next 10 days. There is the possibility of "some snow over high ground", according to the Met Office, as parts of the country are gripped by the freezing weather conditions.

Some will see sun while other parts of the UK are also expected to be cloudy, with rain possible. Things are expected to turn bitter. There could be a potential for "snow showers" north of the border with temperatures expected to be below the average. It follows on from predicted upcoming cloudy and foggy conditions across the country, though central and eastern regions only seeing small amounts.

The long-range forecast from October 31 to November 9: "Following the introduction of some colder air to many areas at the start of this period, with the potential for snow showers in at least northern Scotland, high pressure looks to be the dominant feature during the first part of November.

"The main uncertainty is in the position and orientation of the high, which will determine whether the UK remains in a relatively cold air mass or whether somewhat milder conditions return.

"Given the presence of high pressure, overnight frost and fog are more likely than normal, with temperatures perhaps more likely to be below average overall. Towards mid-November, there are hints that the high pressure may relax its grip on the UK, allowing rather more unsettled conditions to become established."

The charts show that temperatures could reach 18C in and around London on Wednesday, October 30. Northern England looks set to become similarly long, with highs seeming set to climb as high as 17C. In Elgin, Scotland, to the north of typically chilly Aberdeen, highs could reach 16C.

The Halloween highs follow another recent burst of heat that saw temperatures in some parts of the country surge back into the 20C range. Earlier this month, the Met Office said highs would surge to between 20C in "some spots" and added that maximums of 22C would not be "out of the question".