UK weather: Temperatures to drop in run-up to Easter – and it could even snow

Higher ground will see snowflakes and everwhere else can expect clear, cold skies into March

Snow is expected to fall across the Scottish Highlands as temperatures reach below average for the time of year towards Easter (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Temperatures are set to drop and snow could fall in some parts of the UK in the run-up to Easter.

Snow could affect southern parts of the country if fronts moving across the Atlantic hit cold air across the UK, according to the Met Office.

While this outcome is not yet certain, temperatures are set to drop below average in the coming couple of weeks - and snow will fall on peaks including on the Pennines, higher ground in north Wales and also on the highlands above the Scottish border.

The Met Office said "it was too early to say" whether any snow would be particularly heavy or deep.

A spokesperson said there was a slim possiblility snow might fall in the south, but sleet and rain was more likely.

"These are below average temperature conditions with the possibility of some snow in south but more likely on higher ground in the north," she said.

"Moving into the next couple of weeks crisp and bright clear conditions could see a potential for snow at times, but it's really too early to say what that will be."

Clearer skies will see temperatures drop below average across the country (PA)

Snow across the rest of the country would depend on how frontal systems coming in from the Atlantic hit cold air in the UK.

At 7C or 8C, the temperature in the south is below average for this time of year, the Met Office said.

"This week there will be wet and windy weather coming in tonight and through to Tuesday, and then slightly colder for this time of year after that, followed by some sleet," it confirmed.

Windy weather is expected particularly in the north and west going into next week.

Drier and finer conditions would return for the south in that same period, she added.