BBC UK weather forecast: Blistering winds to thrash Britain before SNOW strikes
BRITONS are braced for snow as showers turn wintry across the UK and temperatures plummet to sub-zero levels in parts of the country. Until then, northern regions will be hit by noticeably strong gusts.
BBC weather: SNOW and northerly winds to hit UK
The weather this weekend will be considerably colder than on previous days as the winds switch direction today.
There is also going to be a lot of rain in the forecast, some of which will be quite wintry, however the downpours will be predominately located in the Scottish Highlands.
Sarah Keith Lucas presented the BBC Breakfast weather forecast from Stonehenge where she told viewers there will be a real change in the weather.
She said: “Things are going to be turning much, much colder and we will have the first early taste of winter on us [this weekend].”
we will have the first first early taste of winter on us [this weekend]
Much like yesterday, cold air from the Arctic is closely following the brisk northerly winds, which remain behind the cold front.
On Friday the front is showing itself as a band of cloud and patchy rain, which drifts across southern areas.
But behind this front skies will clear and there will be some sunshine in places, although showers will descend into areas exposed to the wind.
Northern Scotland, the east coast of England, Northern Ireland and perhaps west Wales will be affected by the rain this afternoon.
Temperatures are going to be slightly below average today, with heat values ranging between six and 12 degrees Celsius.
During the course of Friday some of showers will shift further inland, but the outbreaks of rain will continue across Northern Scotland.
Overnight and into Saturday, the snow level in northern Scotland is expected to be around 250 meters.
On Saturday, quite a few hills across northern Scotland will have snowfall, along with some wintry showers over the North Yorkshire Moors.
Temperatures will be close to freezing on Saturday, as most places struggle to top six degrees Celsius.
Then on Sunday there is going to be an east-west divide, as much of the east will be battered with rain, whereas the west is predicted to be largely dry.
With the possibility of snowfall, bookmaker Coral has put odds on at 10-11 for there to be a White Christmas.
The firm is also offering evens for this winter to be the coldest ever in the UK, while it is a 6-4 chance for next month being the coldest November on record.
"The gamble on there being a White Christmas has started early and those who dream of snow on the big day may just get their wish, as it is now odds on to occur this year,” said Coral’s spokesman John Hill.
“With temperatures set to drop quickly over the next week or so, the odds have been slashed on next month being the coldest November ever in the UK.”
He added: “The betting suggests we could be set for the coldest winter ever.”
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays on BBC One at 6am.