PARTS of Somerset and the Blackdown Hills enjoyed a short-lived snow shower this afternoon as colder weather finally hits the UK.

It’s that time of the year when social media erupts with speculation over the likelihood of where and when the white stuff is expected to fall as winter arrives.

Snow was seen falling in Wellington this afternoon, as well as in Clayhidon, Mid Devon, on higher ground on the Blackdown Hills.

Following a mild spell, temperatures have dropped noticeably in recent days, with the Met Office stating how the mercury is unlikely to rise much higher than 3°C for the rest of the day in some areas.

It’s expected to be a chilly evening, also, with 1°C forecast tonight before a freezing start to tomorrow morning.

The Met Office has issued four official snow and ice warnings in Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, Wales and the east of England.

Monday night saw sub-zero temperatures for much of the UK, reaching as low as -11.2°C at Braemar in Aberdeenshire. Around 12cm of lying snow was reported at Watnall, Nottinghamshire, on Tuesday morning as an Arctic air mass continues to influence the UK’s weather.

People in parts of Gloucestershire also woke to a flurry of snow, with colder temperatures expected for the wider South West for the rest of the week.

The Met Office says cold northerly winds will continue through the week across much of the UK, with further warnings likely. Daytime temperatures will be in the low single figures for most, potentially slightly less cold in the far south, though a wind chill means it will feel cold for many. Despite the below average temperatures, there will be a good deal of sunshine away from the wintry showers near the coasts. 

Further snow accumulations are expected through the week, mostly by night at low levels, in northern Scotland and exposed parts elsewhere. 

There remains a possibility of a more organised band of rain and hill snow affecting the south west through Thursday as a larger system runs into the continent, though there remains some uncertainty on this element. The weather is expected to turn wetter and milder by the weekend.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days.”

Today

Overcast with widespread blustery showers spreading southeast this morning. Drier later, with occasional sunny spells, however remaining breezy with a few showers lingering on the southwest coast. Feeling colder than recent days, with a northerly wind. Maximum temperature 8 °C.

Tonight

Cloudy in the southwest with further scattered showers, though drier further inland. Colder than recent nights, particularly beneath clear skies, with a frost in rural parts by dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

Wednesday

A bright day with plenty of sunny spells, though feeling much colder. Occasional showers, perhaps wintry at times, lingering in the southwest, but remaining fine for most with northerly winds. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday

Cold but bright on Thursday, before rain, sleet and snow spread eastwards overnight into Friday. Further wintry showers on Friday, before turning milder, wetter and windier on Saturday.