UK weather forecast: Snow and sleet expected as Britain braces for Arctic blast

Gritters prepared for wintry weather as cold front expected across the country

Temperatures wll plummet across the UK as a blast of cold air dragged in from the Arctic brings snow, sleet and hail with it, forecasters have warned.

The cold front will sweep south across Britain on Friday, ushering in a spell of crisp weather over the weekend.

Strong winds and gales are also predicted to hit Scotland, where forecasters believe there could even be snowfall on higher ground.

Temperatures are predicted to drop to around 7C in northern England during Friday daytime, while the south looks set to see a slightly milder 10C.

However, temperatures are expected to plunge further over the weekend and could fall below zero in some pars of the north.

“Especially overnight on Friday and Saturday there is a risk of ice and frost as temperatures fall close to or below freezing,” said Met Office meteorologist Bonnie Diamond. “Across the north half of the country there is a chance of showers falling as snow on high ground and a mix of sleet and hail, mainly in Scotland.

“We have had a pretty mild October so far and a warm start to autumn in places so it will be a big change for everybody as we go through the weekend. Certainly it's time to get the warm winter clothes out.”

Motorists have been warned to take extra care on roads in the event of any severe wintry weather.

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Gritters are on standby across the country, with a number of councils posting pictures of their fleets online.

Highways England has also said its squadron of more than 500 salt spreading vehicles is now ready to be deployed across the country’s A roads and motorways.

The UK has not seen snow in October since 2012, when around an inch fell in some areas in the north-east England.

Additional reporting by PA