UK weather map: Where could it snow this weekend?
It’s likely to be a long time before Britons put away our winter coats, as mixed weather conditions are expected in the UK this weekend. Showers are expected to continue for many and some parts of Scotland may even get snow.
The Met Office is forecasting rain and sleet combined with some snowfall on the higher hills in eastern Scotland as milder air filters through.
“Eastern Scotland will continue to receive rain from the North Sea and some snow is possible in the higher hills. Snowfall amounts are not expected to be significant as air filters become lighter, but a combination of rain, sleet and snow on the hills could still make conditions feel wintry,” the Met Office said.
Heavy showers are expected in Wales and south-west England on Saturday, with these rains expected to reach Northern Ireland later the same day.
In contrast, eastern England is likely to be spared the worst of the rainfall with fewer showers and drier intervals.
Western Scotland will enjoy the most sunny weather on Saturday.
Temperatures this weekend will be around average for the mid-February season across England and Wales, with top temperatures between 10 and 11 degrees. The weather in these areas will feel relatively mild compared to the cold weather at the beginning of the month.
However, conditions will be very different in the northern parts of Scotland, particularly in the east and north-east where the weather will be colder.
Temperatures on Saturday are expected to be only between 5 and 7 degrees, and strong winds will make it feel noticeably colder.
Despite moderate temperature increases compared to previous days, the combination of wind and humidity will create a distinct feeling of chill at times.
On Sunday the Met Office predicted slow-moving showers and unstable conditions would continue.
“As the low pressure system continues to weaken on Sunday, its slow movement means rainfall patterns may become less defined. Bands of showers may linger over eastern Scotland, again raising concerns about the cumulative impact of wet weather in that region,” the Met Office said.
Northeast England could see a wet start but this depends on how low pressure develops earlier in the day, forecasters have predicted.
Generally, there is a higher chance of sunny weather developing on Sunday as there will be more breaks in the clouds in England and Wales.
The Met Office said: “This will offer a welcome respite from the wet conditions many have experienced recently. Western Scotland is once again favored for dry, brighter weather thanks to protection from the prevailing south-easterly current.”
The national forecast service said showers were possible almost everywhere but the best sunshine was likely in western Scotland and at times in England and Wales.
