The Met Office forecasts snow and gusty winds this weekend, during which temperatures will plunge because fierce gales will sweep the UK from the north and northwest

The Met Office has suggested swathes of the UK could be set for a cold snap next week, with many areas also told to prepare for the possibility of waking up to a dusting of snow. But while the official long-range forecast has warned of "wintry showers" - including snow - predicting Britain's weather is rarely a straightforward affair.

Forecasters say it is too early to predict exactly where the wintry weather will hit, but are confident of a "cold spell" next week.