The Met Office forecasts snow and gusty winds this weekend, during which temperatures will plunge because fierce gales will sweep the UK from the north and northwest

The Met Office has suggested swathes of the UK could be set for a cold snap next week, with many areas also told to prepare for the possibility of waking up to a dusting of snow. But while the official long-range forecast has warned of "wintry showers" - including snow - predicting Britain's weather is rarely a straightforward affair.

The Met Office this afternoon said that a ‘major change’ in the weather is incoming this weekend - with ‘disruption’ possible. Forecasters said an Arctic blast was hitting the UK with ‘widespread snowfall’ across lower ground possible.

The Met Office has offered its verdict on what areas could see snow this weekend ahead of an icy cold snap next week. Wind, rain and hill snow is predicted to fall on Sunday with the north likely to see a light dusting of the white stuff - while inland areas stay dry with long spells of winter sun.

The Met Office has given its verdict on reports of a potential -16C freeze and widespread snowfall across Britain. The national forecaster acknowledged the possibility of snow from this weekend, initially affecting high ground in northern regions as Arctic air moves southward.

The Met Office has issued an update as temperatures are set to plummet within the next few days. From Monday (November 18), the forecaster states "frequent wintry showers are expected" as mercury drops to freezing.