UK wakes up to 'major' weather shift which Met Office says will be noticeable

A "major change" in the weather will help a brutal snow blitz weep in in a cold spell next week, according to forecasters, with the possibility of flurries across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England too, according to meteorologists.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: “A notable early winter cold spell will arrive across the north from Sunday and will likely reach all parts of the UK by midweek. Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air.

“This introduces the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard.” Rebekah said: “There is a lot of uncertainty in what might happen after Sunday.

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"But there are a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds. It is possible that there may be some more widespread snowfall across lower ground, but the chance of this for any given region is low at this stage.

“What we do know is that the whole of the UK is likely to experience a spell of several days of cold, potentially disruptive weather next week. Warnings for wintry hazards, including snow and ice, are possible, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”

The Met Office's Aiden McGivern said: "Over the next few days you may see some ‘exciting’ maps that show various parts of the UK plastered with snow next week. But it is important when looking at those maps that they are just one computer model’s simulation of the atmosphere.

“Professional meteorologists don’t just take one computer model. Even if it is the snowiest or the most exciting and say that’s what’s going to happen. We run the computer models dozens of times and end up with dozens of simulations of the atmosphere.”