Britain looks set to be plunged into a deep freeze with temperatures plunging from recent highs and snow expected on higher ground, the latest weather maps show.
While the week is forecast to start dry and bright in the north and east, it will turn wintry in Scotland where snow is expected in the Highlands and Grampians.
Weather maps generated by WXCharts put the probability of snow falling over Scotland on Thursday (March 28) in excess of 60 percent.
Elsewhere the chances of seeing snow in northern England and parts of South Wales range from 35 percent to 40 percent.
Jim Dale, Senior Meteorologist at British Weather Services, told Express.co.uk snow will arrive sooner in Scotland.
He said: “Snow will come in during the course of the afternoon, in the Grampians and Highlands as you would expect. On Tuesday (March 26) it spreads and may come down a bit lower than just higher ground. There’ll be a fair covering on Tuesday into Wednesday (March 27).”
Mr Dale explained polar air is coming in from the north, meaning it won’t be especially warm in the run-up to Easter. He added: “It’s going to be tough. A lot of rain is coming.
“On higher ground the rain will turn into snow. By March 28 it starts to come off a little bit, but continues to be unsettled all the way from tomorrow (March 25) into the weekend.”
He said Good Friday and Easter Saturday will be a “write-off” for many, adding: “Details might change, but the essence is it will be inclement.”
Western parts of the UK will be especially prone to rain over the period but no one will be free of the risk though eastern areas will be drier, according to Mr Dale.
His forecast comes after Britain experienced its wettest February on record, with more rain to come and the risk of localised flooding after a recent respite. Mr Dale said: “We’re going back to square one tomorrow.”
Temperatures look set to vary from 5C to 10C in the early part of next week, with 7C to 13C in the second half as we go into Easter Weekend, it will be colder further north.
Low pressure will push in our direction from the Atlantic, with the only “bright light” being the possibility of more hospitable weather on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, though it still looks “chequered”, according to Mr Dale. He added: “It’s not T-shirt weather.”
The weather expert explained that with Easter coming early this year, it is “potluck” as to what we get weather-wise, but Britain is overdue high pressure, which Mr Dale expects in April “at some point”. He said: “It’s been a long time since we saw high pressure sit on top of us. That might happen in the teeth of April.”
Met Office UK five day weather forecast
Sunday, March 24 – Thursday, March 28
Headline: Largely dry with sunny spells. Turning unsettled on Monday.
Today: A drier day than Saturday with plenty of sunny spells and lighter winds, though breezy for a time in the east. A few showers around, these generally easing. Turning cloudier in the far west later. Feeling pleasant in the sunshine.
Tonight: Cloudier in the west with outbreaks of rain gradually pushing northeastwards. Drier elsewhere with clear spells and light winds, with a patchy frost possible in rural spots.
Monday: Dry and bright start in the north and east. Cloudier and breezier in the west with spells of rain pushing northeastwards, turning heavy at times and wintry in Scotland.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday: Low pressure is likely to dominate through this period, bringing heavy showers and longer spells of rain throughout. Temperatures around average for the time of year.
