Friday begins on a mild note across the far south and southwest, where bright intervals and occasional showers are expected. However, conditions will gradually shift as a band of rain, and some snow, mainly over high ground but occasionally to lower levels, moves slowly south through England and Wales. This marks a transition to noticeably colder air through the day.

Further north, much of Scotland and Northern Ireland can expect a brighter picture with sunny spells, though scattered wintry showers will continue around some coasts. The southwest of England will turn increasingly windy, with a risk of gales in exposed areas later.

Through Friday night, rain, sleet and snow will clear from Wales and southern England, leaving many areas dry with clear spells. Temperatures will fall widely, allowing a frost to form, which could be sharp across northern parts of the UK. Icy patches are likely where earlier precipitation has dampened surfaces. Wintry showers will continue to affect some coastal regions, particularly in the north and northeast.

Outlook for Saturday

Saturday starts on a cold and crisp note, with a widespread frost and some icy stretches first thing. Most areas will enjoy extended clear or sunny spells, and aside from the odd wintry coastal shower in the north and east, it will be a largely dry day.

However, cloud will gradually thicken from the west later in the afternoon as the next weather system approaches. Rain, accompanied by hill snow, is expected to move into western parts during the evening.

Winds will be light for most of the day, though they will begin to freshen in the west as the cloud increases. Despite the sunshine in many areas, it will feel rather cold throughout the day, especially after the chilly start.

Met Office presenter and meteorologist, Alex Deakin, said: “We could see quite a bit of snow falling into Friday, potentially even reaching lower levels for a time before pushing south into parts of Wales. The snow will fall mainly over the hills here, but a centimetre or two is possible even at relatively low levels, and perhaps into the Midlands for a time on Friday.

READ MORE: 10-Day Trend: Mixed conditions across the UK

“In the south, some heavy showers are likely. Given how wet it has been recently, any further downpours could cause additional problems. A few light wintry showers over northern Scotland will fade, but much of Scotland and Northern Ireland will enjoy a dry, bright and sunny Friday, although colder air from a northerly wind will keep temperatures down,  only around 3, 4 or 5°C at best. It will feel particularly cold in the wetter zone covering northern England, the Midlands and Wales, with temperatures around 4 or 5°C. Further south, conditions will not be as mild as today, but the slightly milder air will hold on for now, although it won’t last.

“As the wet weather shifts south, it will pull the colder air with it. Most of the precipitation will fall as rain, but some sleet and snow will be mixed in through Friday evening, so bear that in mind if you are heading out. Surfaces are likely to turn icy quickly as temperatures tumble on Friday night and into Saturday morning.

“Saturday will begin frosty and chilly, but for most it is set to be a beautiful day — dry, sunny, and offering some crisp winter sunshine, which has been in short supply this season. A change arrives later as more wet weather moves in through Saturday night, again with some snow mixed in, mostly over the hills, before conditions turn milder and the weather becomes duller into Sunday.”

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