The Met Office has forecasted that snowy conditions could hit parts of the UK as early as the end of the week.

The forecaster said the UK will see some colder air crossing the UK later this week and daytime temperatures may dip to single figures for some, with some chilly nights and frosty starts also on the way.

Snow could land as early as Friday, 24 February with wintry showers over hills and mountains in the north of the UK.

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The Met Office said cold air coming from the North Pole is behind incoming frosty weather.

Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern told The Mirror: “It looks as though there are some changes on the way from the middle of next week.

“We are seeing a major Sudden Stratospheric Warming taking place above the North Pole and what that means is that the winds in the stratosphere surrounding the North Pole are expected to reverse, instead of going from west to east they are going to go from east to west.

“That can have a drag effect on the jet stream which can slow the jet stream down which can in turn lead to higher pressure at the surface, a blocking area of high pressure, blocking wind and rain from the Atlantic and sometimes leading to colder conditions. That’s why Sudden Stratospheric Warmings increase the chance of cold weather.”

The forecaster’s long-range forecast from 6 to 20 March added: “High pressure is expected to dominate at the start of the period, with any more unsettled weather most likely across the far north and northwest.

“However, low pressure could develop to the south of the UK by the middle of the month, bringing more widespread changeable conditions. Temperatures expected to be generally around average to begin, with the risk of colder nights throughout the period. There is an increasing chance of some colder than average conditions developing as the month progresses, although confidence remains low.

Here is the forecast, both for this week and a longer-term forecast:

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Showery rain moves eastwards Wednesday, turning wintry over hills. Showers becoming isolated Thursday. A further band of rain, wintry over hills, edging south overnight. Wintry showers on Friday. Frosts overnight.

Friday, February 24 - Sunday, March 5

Friday is likely to be rather settled, with sunny spells to start, followed by cloudy conditions through much of the day, resulting in some light drizzle in places. Sunny spells and showers are possible in the north, where winds are likely to turn stronger through the day. A frosty start is expected, especially across the south and east, but temperatures will generally be around average elsewhere. Through the rest of the period, settled conditions are likely to continue, however, some light rain and showers are still possible at times, with nocturnal fog or mist developing in places. Some stronger winds could develop in the east and south, making it feel colder here, though temperatures overall, will be generally near or slightly below average, although locally cold overnight.

Monday, March 6 - Monday, March 20

High pressure is expected to dominate at the start of the period, with any more unsettled weather most likely across the far north and northwest. However, low pressure could develop to the south of the UK by the middle of the month, bringing more widespread changeable conditions. Temperatures are expected to be generally around average to begin, with the risk of colder nights throughout the period. There is an increasing chance of some colder-than-average conditions developing as the month progresses, although confidence remains low.