It may feel as if spring is finally on the horizon but the UK is set to be blasted by snow and sub-zero temperatures, according to the latest predictions. New weather maps are showing we can expect temperatures as low as -5C in parts of the UK on March 22, with Scotland looking to be worst hit.
As would be expected, the north is likely to face the brunt of the icy weather, with Scotland seeing lows of between -5 and -1.
Although definitely milder, south of the border could also experience freezing temperatures.
The images, provided by WX Charts, show how the north of England as well as Wales could see the thermometer drop to -3.
On the south coast, which typically experiences warmer weather, there could be temperatures of -1 and 0.
Only a thin stretch running down the east of England is looking safe from the freezing cold, with Norfolk and Suffolk expecting temperatures of 3, while parts of Kent, East Sussex and Lincolnshire are showing figures above 0.
As reported by Express.co.uk, snow is likely still on its way before the end of the month.
Maps show different parts of the country being hit by snow on March 20 – the official first day of spring.
The first of this is expected in the top area of Scotland from Thurso to Ullapool.
Later in the day the snow is set to migrate further south from Galashiels toward Northumberland National Park in England.
Again on March 22 maps show a similar snow blueprint in Scotland on the map.
The Met Office’s long range forecast for March 17 to 26 reports heavy rain and some wind. “Through the weekend a broadly unsettled but mild pattern continues,” it says.
“Sunday seeing areas of rain steadily clearing east through the day with showers developing behind this, some of these potentially heavy especially in the west.
“Into the new week temperatures trend down toward just above average for the time of year as showers on Monday turn to broader bands of rain at times into the week, though with some brighter, milder, breaks interspersed.
“Rain heaviest in western areas, driest in the south and east. Winds generally light to moderate in the south east, with stronger winds affecting north-western areas at times.
“By the following weekend more settled conditions trending in the south and up to central areas as the majority of systems affect western and northern areas.”
Today:
A band of rain will slowly move across northern parts of the UK, becoming slow moving across North Wales and northern England. Drier in southern England and Wales, but largely cloudy. A windy day, with gales across northern Scotland.
Tonight:
Mostly dry but cloudy across the south overnight. Rain across North Wales and northern England edging northwards. Clear spells across Scotland, blustery showers becoming confined to the far north later.
Thursday:
A band of cloud and rain continue to move northwards across Scotland. Elsewhere rather cloudy, a few showers developing here and there during the afternoon. Feeling mild, particularly overnight.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Remaining changeable Friday and into the weekend with showers or longer spells of rain at times. Turning brighter from the west Sunday. Generally mild for the time of year.
