UK weather forecast: Snow and 'severe gales' to pummel Britain as Met Office issues multiple warnings

'There is a risk of further snow overnight - it is likely to be very, very cold,'

The UK will be hit with severe gales, snow showers and frost in the coming week, as unsettled conditions continue.

A variety of weather warnings for wind, snow and ice have been issued from Sunday to Wednesday by forecasters.

"An area of low pressure is moving very quickly across the south this morning bringing gale force winds with it," Sarah Kent, a meteorologist at the Met Office, told The Independent.

"There's a yellow warning in place for wind for Sunday. It will be extremely gusty and people should keep an eye on the warnings as they change."

Wind speeds are expected to reach 40 to 50mph inland and could rise to 55 to 65mph in more exposed areas.

Coastal routes may also be affected by large waves and spray and short-term loss of power in some areas is possible.

Heavy rain is also expected across northwestern regions.

"There may be some travel disruption caused by falling trees or something like that," Ms Kent said.

A snow and ice warning is in place from Sunday night to Monday morning for the midlands, northern England, Scotland and northern Ireland.

"Further north there will be sleet, hill snow and wintry showers," Ms Kent said.

"Strong winds will probably bring wintry showers to northwestern England and Scotland."

"There is a risk of further snow overnight - it is likely to be very, very cold. Cold enough for frost."

There will be a brief respite on Monday, when conditions will improve slightly as the winds slow.

Temperatures in London are expected to reach 11C on Monday, though it will be a few degrees colder in rural areas.

"In daylight hours it will not be as cold," Ms Kent said.

"But another frontal system will then move in and bring strong gale force winds with it."

In Scotland the winds are expected to be "severe" and there is a possibility of hail.

The winds will be particularly strong in Northern Ireland early next week. A yellow warning for wind is in place for the area for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Another warning for wind also applies to the region, southern England and the Midlands for Wednesday.

"We're keeping an eye on that storm, as it might be a named one," Ms Kent said.

"The rest of the week will bring unsettled weather, sometimes wintry."

The meteorologist added that the conditions were typical for spring weather in March.