Heavy snow forecast: Temperatures plunge to -11 as Arctic jet stream hits Britain - Met Office issues warning to stock up on food
The Met Office says heavy rain may be followed by snow.
Image: WX Charts
Unstable weather conditions could bring bouts of heavy snow in large parts of England within the next week.
The Met Office has already issued a flood warning and a cold weather alert, with yellow warnings for rain in Wales and many areas across England lasting from Friday night to Saturday lunchtime.
A warning is also in place for Northern Ireland from 2pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday.
The wet and windy conditions could be followed by snow once the weekend passes, with two cold weather alerts running from 6pm on Sunday to 9am on Thursday.
The alerts are in place across the North, the Midlands, and central and eastern parts of England.
Severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow could be the case, with the Met Office saying there is a 70 per cent probability of this scenario.
In order to reduce the need to go outside in the adverse conditions, the Met Office advise people in the affected regions to stock up on food and medicines.
People are urged to stay vigilant in London, the South and South West as the areas are covered by a level one alert.
Rainy weather is expected across the UK this weekend.
Image: Met Office
The Met Office said: “There is a 70 per cent probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 6pm on Sunday 15 Jan and 9am on Thursday 19 Jan in parts of England.
“This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your Trust's emergency plan for appropriate preventive action.
“Northerly winds will develop through Sunday and into Monday, bringing colder air across much of the country. This will affect northern areas initially on Sunday, before moving south to affect most areas on Monday.
“Showers will be more frequent in western areas and fewer in eastern areas, but becoming increasingly wintry for all areas through Monday. Occasionally strong winds will exacerbate the cold feel.
“These alerts may be updated on Monday, once confidence has improved in the timing of the cold weather and areas to be included.”
Last month’s cold snap saw the Met Office issue a level three alert as temperatures dipped to below -10C in some parts of the country.