UK weather: Cold conditions to last at least four weeks as snow moves in, forecasters warn

Temperatures to plummet to -8C in some parts

Britain will face icy temperatures and disruptive snow for at least four weeks as snow looks set to blanket swathes of the country, forecasters have warned.

According to the Met Office, the current cold spell will continue well into February, with a largely gloomy outlook and coverings of snow likely to extend beyond higher ground.

There is expected to be patches of rain and sleet in southern areas on Saturday as a chilly front sweeps in from the northwest of England.

And forecaster Marco Petagna said the inclement conditions were due to remain for some time.

“The general pattern will be changeable and cold with a hint that temperatures will drop several degrees below average,” he said.

“The cold weather till at least mid-February with the mercury generally staying below average in low single figures for the next four weeks.”

By the end of next week, the mercury will be struggling to get above 5 degrees and forecasters are anticipating widespread frost overnight.

After fine and dry weather on Saturday, temperatures will plummet to -8C in Scotland and it will be turn frosty overnight with rain expected in western parts.

By Sunday, the rain will push southwest Scotland and it will turn brighter.

In the Midlands, there will be a patchy rain with a chance of sleet and snow on high ground.

In London, the weekend will start off cloudy before becoming brighter. It will feel quite pleasant in the sun. But by Monday it will be wet and windy.

“The temperature will plummet Tuesday/Wednesday and by the end of their week there is a chance of wintry showers,” Mr Petagna said.

“Conditions look set to turn colder next week with the possibility of heavy rain, sleet and snow across the country.”

The Met previously issued a warning about ice blanketing much of the UK as freezing winter temperatures set in.

“The snow remains on high ground but by Monday and Tuesday the chances of it being more widespread will increase,” he said.