A band of heavy snow could cause chaos in Ireland and the UK later this week, with up to 20cm of snow possible in some parts of England and Wales.
Temperatures will fall as the week progresses, with Met Éireann forecasting occasional frost and ice, with the possibility of sleet and snow across Ireland.
The Met Office has warned that disruption is likely to occur in Northern Ireland from Thursday into Friday morning as snow continues to fall for some time.
A snow warning has also been issued covering much of Wales and northern and central England.
The warning will be in place from 3am on Thursday to 3am on Friday and covers areas from Cumbria and the Scottish Borders to Cambridgeshire and the English Midlands.
All of north and mid-Wales, including Anglesey, is under a warning.
Air mass collisions will occur across the UK this week
❄️ Heavy snow is possible on Thursday between cold and mild air, but it’s completely uncertain at this point where the heaviest snow will fall. pic.twitter.com/GGG4zHQJ9Z
— Japan Meteorological Agency (@metoffice) February 5, 2024
The forecaster said there was a risk of power outages, travel delays and some rural areas being cut off.
The snow will ease later in the day and may return to rain or drizzle, especially in the south and east.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, there is uncertainty about the boundary between rain and snow and the northern limit of snowfall.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Chris Almond said: “We will see rain, at times heavy, gradually moving south this week, but the threat of winter will increase as the week progresses as colder air moves in from the north. There are signs that it is increasing.” Over Britain.
“Starting Thursday, the snow risk becomes more potentially impactful as milder air attempts to re-enter from the south and collides with colder air, increasing the likelihood of snow developing on the leading edge.
“While there are still many details to be worked out, the risk of the first snow is expected to be highest in the north of England and Wales from Thursday.”
Towards the end of the warning period, snow will turn to sleet and rain from the south.
The forecaster said further icing warnings could be issued later in the week as temperatures remain below average for this time of year.