UK snow: First snowfall to hit within DAYS as Arctic blast heads straight for Britain

The first snowfall of the season is set to hit the country within days as an Arctic blast is on its way to Britain.

The latest maps from WXCharts show that parts of Scotland could experience around 7cm of snow before the end of October. Based on the latest predictions, snow could fall across mountainous areas in the Scottish Highlands from midday on Sunday, October 26.

Some parts of northern England and Wales may also experience some snowfall that weekend. Weather maps show that temperatures will drop starting from Saturday, October 25. Below-zero temperatures are likely in Scotland, while north-western England could see the mercury drop to single figures.

READ MORE: UK snow forecast with 7cm on the cards as weather maps reveal exact date

The entire country will be cold, according to the latest forecast, apart from the south coast where there could be highs of 11C. Currently, the Met Office's long-range forecast from October 16 to October 25 says high pressure will dominate the UK weather.

"Whilst a little rain and drizzle is likely in parts of the southeast and north, mainly over the higher ground, much of the UK will be predominantly dry," the forecast reads. "Cloud amounts will be variable but often large, although there will be some spells of sunshine. There are likely to be some fog patches overnight, slowly clearing through the morning.

"Temperatures are likely to be close to normal for the time of year overall. During the second half of this period, there are signs that the general pattern will shift with low pressure systems probably moving in from the west in some fashion. However, details of any more unsettled weather are still very uncertain."

Then, the long-range forecast from October 26 to November 9 says there will be "changeable conditions across the UK with low pressure systems tending to dominate." The forecast said: "Showers or longer spells of rain are likely at times, perhaps heavy in places, with some strong winds also possible at times.

"However, there will also likely be some temporary drier interludes at times. Temperatures will probably be close to normal overall." Meanwhile, looking at the medium to short term forecast Netweather TV warns high pressure could sweep across England in the coming days.

It says: "High pressure in charge next weekend," before adding: "Continuing mostly dry and settled next week too, with high pressure in control. The high pressure system perhaps becoming centred over the Norwegian Sea, which may feed a northeast flow with more the way of cloud across eastern England, perhaps with a few coastal showers, but that's a long way off."

UK five-day weather forecast This Evening and Tonight:

Remaining cloudy, breezy and damp in the far north and northwest. Elsewhere clear spells developing along with a patchy rural frost. Some fog too, particularly across central parts of England.

Sunday:

Fog patches slowly clearing to leave a mostly dry day with some sunny spells. Cloudier across the far north with patchy rain, and cloud perhaps increasing across eastern England later.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

High pressure will bring a good deal of dry, though rather cloudy weather during the period. The odd spot of drizzle, though feeling pleasantly warm where any brighter breaks develop.