Frontal systems bring rain and snow to Northern Ireland and southern and central Britain today and overnight, alongside strong winds through Thursday. 

Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings remain in force until Thursday morning. 

In southern England, a Yellow Warning is in place for periods of heavy rain through Wednesday and into Thursday. Many areas are expected to see 10-20 mm, with 20-30 mm possible along the south coast and up to 50 mm across Dartmoor. Strong east to northeasterly winds will accompany the rain and large waves may also affect some east-facing coasts, particularly along the English Channel. 

Across Northern Ireland, a Yellow Warning covers rain that is falling as snow over high ground before easing later. While lower levels are likely to see little or no lying snow, several centimetres could accumulate above 250 metres, especially across the Sperrins. This will be accompanied by strong southeasterly winds. Any lying snow should thaw during the evening and overnight. 

Parts of Wales, central England and the southern Pennines are also under a Yellow Warning for snow as the rainband moves in on Wednesday. 

Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said: “There is potential for rain, sleet and snow to affect parts of Wales, central England and the southern Pennines from Wednesday evening into early Thursday. Snowfall of 2-5 cm is likely above 150-200 metres, with 10-15 cm possible above 250-300 metres across mid and southeast Wales, as well as Herefordshire, Shropshire and the southern Pennines. Small amounts, generally less than 2 cm, may fall at lower levels. 

“Strong east to northeasterly winds could increase impacts, and ice is also a risk as temperatures drop overnight. We are keeping a close eye on how this weather system evolves, so do be prepared for weather warnings to change and stay up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”  

READ MORE: Travelling in snow and ice 

As this system clears on Thursday, most areas will turn drier. Northern Ireland and western Scotland will see cloud and rain increasing by the afternoon. With temperatures still below average, further ice warnings overnight remain possible. 

Much milder into the weekend 

The outlook into the weekend stays unsettled, with further bands of rain interspersed with brighter intervals. Rain will mainly affect western areas, where ground conditions are less sensitive at present. Temperatures will become increasingly mild for the time of year as Atlantic air moves in. This could bring the potential for highs of up to 16°C in sheltered places with any brightness – exceptionally mild for the time of year – before temperatures turn a little closer to average into next week.  

READ MORE: How far ahead can snow be forecast in the UK? 

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Snow on ground