UK weather: Snow blankets nation three inches from falling - when arctic blast hits

Up to 13cm of snow is expected to fall in parts of England and Wales in an unusually late winter outburst in mid- March, according to a new weather map

The UK is expected to see several centimeters of snow in mid-March (

Image: Getty Images)

A new weather forecast shows the UK is likely to be hit with unusually late snowfall and freezing temperatures in mid-March.

A biting cold front is sweeping across the country despite late February, with the Met Office recording temperatures of -7.9C in Altnaharra, Scotland on Sunday.

A sudden and major stratospheric warming has occurred, the full effects of which will be felt in the weeks to come.

However, bookies have reduced the odds that next month will be the coldest March on record, with sudden stratospheric warming causing a polar vortex - the same phenomenon that brought freezing air to the UK. United in the form of the "Beast from the East". ” in 2018.

After a dry and mild February, temperatures are expected to drop below the seasonal average of 2-9°C, with an arctic outburst also bringing snow.

The Pennines and parts of Wales are expected to see the heaviest snowfall (

Picture:

WXCHARTS)

A weather forecast from Ventusky shows a flurry of snow falling on March 12.

The Pennines are expected to be the worst affected region in England, with up to 13 centimeters of fall, while snow is expected as far south as Milton Keynes.

Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds are also expected to see snow the second weekend of March.