Met Office warns of SNOW this weekend as Britain hit by MORE bitter Scandinavian air after freezing rain
THE Met Office has warned of snow hitting the UK this weekend as Brits face more bone-chilling Scandinavian air.
Persistent high pressure across the north and east of the UK continues to bring with it freezing rain and icy winds.
The cold-snap is being blown over from Scandinavia and could even see snow fall from tomorrow.
Met Office meteorologists forecast the white stuff could be on the cards in the early hours of Friday and Saturday.
Rain is predicted to move further east, where cooler air will see it fall as snow over higher ground in Scotland and Northern England.
As the weekend wraps up, those in Manchester and Cumbria could wake up to 4cm of snow.
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These blankets could be setting in February 16 at 6am, particularly in high areas, just in time for next week.
Northern areas of the UK, including Newcastle and Edinburgh, might see 0.5cm of snow fall per hour on the Sunday which is likely to settle with a depth of up to 2.5cm.
A few centimetres could also settle in the Grampians and North Pennines.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, said: “The high pressure has brought a period of cloudy and dull conditions across much of the UK.
"We do see some change in our weather through the weekend, with rain in the west and the chance of snow further east over higher ground on Saturday.”
Snow and icy conditions could lead to school closures, reduced public transport, and road closures.
The Met Office recommends planning all journeys ahead of time to avoid disruptions and delays.
Amid wintry flurries come showery intervals and the Environment Agency has issued three flood warning in the Iwerne, the Till and Bourne Valley.
The government website has warned residents in the area that "properties may experience flooding in cellars in affected areas."
This high pressure moving towards the UK from Scandinavia causes a range of weather fronts - including hot and cold weather.
Meteorologist Honor Criswick said: "Depending on the time of year, it can lead to anything from sunny skies to freezing temperatures and sometimes heavy snow."
This high pressure directs the piercing easterly winds across and has the potential to plunge the UK into a nationwide freeze.
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As temperature drop into negative towards the end of the week Brits will be relieved to the bitter chill will feel less intense by the middle of next week.
From Wednesday the country will escape the snow flurries and settle back into single digits, getting marginally warmer by the end of next week.
UK 5 day weather forecast
This Evening and Tonight
Rain moving into southwestern UK and Northern Ireland, with a risk of some snow and freezing rain across upland areas. Otherwise a mainly dry night with clear spells, allowing a frost to develop for many, away from some eastern coasts.
Friday
Rather cloudy and breezy across Northern Ireland, Wales and southwest England with some rain and perhaps hill snow, reaching western Scotland later. Elsewhere frost clearing, then mostly fine. Remaining cold.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday
Mostly dry, often cloudy and cold in the east and northeast. Weakening bands of rain and perhaps snow moving in from the west and southwest, where turning milder. Often breezy.