Snow is forecast to fall until at least the beginning of next week as the UK is gripped by a polar blast on the first day of spring.
The latest weather maps show snow falling until Monday (March 4) in parts of the UK, including Wales, Scotland, the north of England and Midlands.
Jim Dale, Senior Meteorologist at British Weather Services, told Express.co.uk spring has dawned but winter has arrived as the country turns chillier despite the onset of the new season.
Mr Dale, giving his latest snow forecast earlier this morning, said: “It’s starting as we speak. There’s snow already around Ireland, Wales, the Peak District and south Pennines at the moment. That front is going north.”
He explained how modified polar air – warmed by the seas as it travels south from the North Pole – means low pressure over Britain is keeping experts guessing as to the forecast for the coming days.
The weather expert said we will probably end up with sporadic snow falls, with showers to the south and snow mainly on higher ground in the Pennines and mid Wales eventually moving into Scotland and the Grampians.
Mr Dale said: “We’ll see some (snow), not at huge depths, but it will be there… into Sunday night a lot of changes. Low pressure will be there still. Air will be colder so we might see some snow further south. It’s difficult to say.”
He suggested the Midlands and south east England might see some snow, but not everybody will see it and by Monday (March 4) most of it will be gone.
The senior meteorologist said: “It will be short and sweet. I wouldn’t expect anything lower than the M4 corridor. Above that, anything goes… Spring dawns and winter arrives – it’s that kind of scenario we’re into.”
This week’s cold snap comes despite it being the start of spring, according to the meteorological calendar, when the days lengthen and temperatures start to rise. The Met Office is expected to confirm today that parts of the UK have seen their wettest February on record and it has been a mild winter with fewer frosty nights overall.
Mr Dale said temperatures will continue to languish this weekend, with a broad range of 0C to 9C, depending on where you are in the UK. The mercury could even dip as low as -2C in some areas, according to the senior meteorologist.
Met Office UK five day weather forecast
Friday, March 1 – Tuesday, March 5
Headline: Rain and hill snow spreading northeast.
Today: A frosty start with patchy fog clearing quickly. Rain and hill snow in the southwest, spreading northeast and turning heavy at times, with blustery showers following behind. Drier elsewhere, although showers in the far north. Breezy and feeling cold.
Tonight: Rain and hill snow continues to move north overnight. Heavy showers across much of England and Wales, wintry over hills, with clear intervals between allowing patchy frost and fog. Breezy.
Saturday: Remaining unsettled on Saturday with further outbreaks of rain and showers, these often wintry over the hills. Some brighter interludes, but still feeling cold, although winds gradually easing.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Winds continue to ease on Sunday and drier for most, although a few showers still possible. Further wet weather into the new week, and temperatures slowly retuning closer to average.
