A MAJOR change in the weather is expected from this weekend with a predicted cold spell arriving with the potential threat of ice and snow.

Residents of the South West should expect a dip in temperatures from Sunday, the Met Office says, with some unsettled and much colder weather including possible snow next week.

Deputy chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks, at the Met Office, explains: “A notable early winter cold spell will arrive across the north from Sunday and will likely reach all parts of the UK by midweek.  

“Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air. This introduces the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard.

“There is a lot of uncertainty in what might happen after Sunday, but there are a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds.

“It is possible that there may be some more widespread snowfall across lower ground, but the chance of this for any given region is low at this stage. What we do know is that the whole of the UK is likely to experience a spell of several days of cold, potentially disruptive weather next week.

“Warnings for wintry hazards, including snow and ice, are possible, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.” 

The full extent of the long-range forecast is explored in the Met Office 10-day trend video, which is available through YouTube and via the Met Office app.