Met Office forecasts UK snow this week as big freeze arrives — full list of areas affected

Met Office forecasts UK snow this week as big freeze arrives — full list of areas affected The Met Office has confirmed it has forecast the first snow of this winter — and it is set to happen amid a cold snap, during which temperatures will drop considerably The Met Office has forecast that snow this week — as temperatures are to plunge again. Fog — for which a fresh weather weather is in place for tonight and into Tuesday — will make way later this week for the snow showers, the first of this winter. It is set to mirror a similar spell last November, during which we saw the first snowfall of that winter — recorded across Scotland. It is because a polar vortex is set to be disrupted, which will lead to a bitter blast of icy air to linger over the UK for several days. This will cause conditions to become optimum for frost and snow as temperatures are poised to plummet to freezing. It will be a stark change from the 14.4C recorded on Sunday near Plymouth, Devon, and 13.8C seen in Whitchurch-by-Cardigan, Pembrokeshire on the same day. The snowfall could arrive in parts of the UK as early as this Wednesday, with further cold conditions expected on Thursday and Friday, forecasters with the Met Office have aid. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: "Snow showers could briefly fall on lower ground in northern Scotland and the Northern Isles, mainly Shetland, overnight on Wednesday and into Thursday. However, snow may only settle on higher ground and this is relatively normal for the time of year." Last November's snow caused difficult conditions on the road, especially across northern Scotland, reports the Express. Photographs show vehicles getting into trouble at Kingussie in the Highlands of Scotland. In its latest forecast issued on Monday, the Met Office said: "During Tuesday, cloud and outbreaks of rain will spread north across much of England and Wales, with some heavier bursts possible in the southwest later. Elsewhere, many places will remain dry with sunny spells, although fog and low cloud could be slow to clear. Temperatures will generally be near or a little below average." It added: "Tuesday night will remain cloudy across southern areas with further outbreaks of rain, heavy at times in the southwest. Elsewhere, clearer conditions will allow frost to develop across many northern areas, alongside some patches of fog. By Wednesday, colder conditions will begin to move into the north. Rain will continue across parts of southern England and Wales, while showers move south across Scotland, becoming wintry at times in the far north and northeast. Strong winds are also expected in the far northeast." Areas at risk of snow this week - Scottish Highlands - Eilean Siar - Orkney - Shetland - Moray