Cheshire West weather warning: Strong winds expected throughout the weekend

The cold snap is expected to be short-lived, with warmer weather returning next week, thought it is expected to be unsettled.

A flurry of snow fell across parts of the United Kingdom overnight as Britain prepares for a wintry weekend which could see temperatures plunge to minus 5C.

Icy wind gusts of 60-70mph will whip much of central and southern Britain from Friday evening, making things noticeably colder.

“Within this northerly flow, a marked trough is expected to develop and transfer south, bringing more widespread wintry conditions and gale force winds”.

They said: “The first widespread cold spell of the season will see an Arctic maritime airmass spread across the country, with strong winds”.

After an autumn so far of temperatures in double figures and strong gusting winds, the thermometer is set to drop dramatically.

Snow has been forecast for large parts of Scotland with potential for blizzards in gale-force winds affecting upland areas.

A yellow “Be Aware” warning has been issued from 9pm tomorrow (Friday, November 20) until 3pm on Saturday, November 21.

More snow will fall on higher ground in the north west on Saturday evening.

Frank Saunders, of the Met Office, said: “With strong winds and a few snow forecast for this weekend there is the likelihood of a few hard driving conditions and disruption to transport”.

Temperatures across the country will be lower than usual for this time of year following an exceptionally mild first half of November.

The weather is expected to move south later on this afternoon and leave most of England with a fine sunny, but cold day.

But the western coast will see further showers coming and going throughout the day, many of which will be wintry across higher ground.

There has been an absence of frosts in most areas, largely because the weather has been cloudy and there have been very few clear nights.