UK braces for -2C as new weather maps as snow rolls in

New weather maps show the exact date -2C temperatures and snow will hit the UK, with the Scottish Highlands set to be hit first later this week

New weather maps reveal the precise date when -2C temperatures and snow are set to hit the UK. It is expected to drop to 0C in the West Midlands before the day is out.

The latest maps, created by WXCharts, depict an icy blue mass over the Scottish Highlands in just a few days. On Sunday, October 13, the frosty area will approach Scotland's northern coast, with Inverness situated right in the heart of the weather front.

Edinburgh is also expected to experience the chill, with lows of -1C. This follows predictions from weather experts that more cold and dreary weather is on its way to the UK in the coming days - with temperatures dropping to -1C and some forecasters suggesting the possibility of heavy and persistent snow across several regions.

Read more: Flight declares emergency

These fresh maps indicate that the country is about to enter a sub-zero cold snap, anticipated to last up to four days. According to WXCharts, Northern areas will bear the brunt of the freezing conditions from 6am on October 11, with Newcastle and parts of Scotland - including Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Iverness - among the cities to be affected, reports the Mirror.

Temperatures are predicted to hover around 0C for areas north and south of Edinburgh, while Inverness is expected to be the coldest, with temperatures falling as low as -1C. Forecasters also anticipate that the UK will be covered in snow during this period, which could fall over a span of 72 hours.

Jim Dale, Senior meteorologist and the brains behind British Weather Services, has flagged up the impending snow as "one to watch" in light of a plunge in temperatures. In the meantime, residents are bracing for a tumultuous weather spell, with a thunderstorm alert dispatched for vast regions, casting predictions of torrential downpours over the south, as cautioned by the Met Office.

The forecasting body issued a stark warning: "Areas of heavy showers and thunderstorms will move northwards across southern parts of England and Wales later Monday, clearing northwards overnight. Some places will see 20 to 30mm of rain within two to three hours, with a small chance that a few places could receive 40mm. Thunderstorms are most likely for south-facing coastal districts, and hail and some strong gusts of wind could accompany the heaviest showers and thunderstorms."

Taking a gaze into the near future, they have alerted all UK zones to prepare for a "colder interlude", as winds from the north edge southwards driving a wave of showers with them. Commencing Friday, October 11, a chill grip is forecasted, sweeping in "below average, especially in the north with some overnight frost possible along with some patchy mist and fog."

temperatures particularly felt in the northern regions where frost may kiss the ground overnight alongside potential patches of mist and fog.

Later on, as the weekend rolls out, the nation is set to wrestle with renewed volatility - foreseeing bouts of rainfall and robust breezes landing predominantly in the UK's northwest quarter, while the southeast might clinch onto more parched conditions.

Below is the Met Office's forecast for the West Midlands:

Today

A fine and largely dry day with a good number of sunny spells. Small chance of a shower in the afternoon. Noticeably colder with temperatures dropping below the seasonal average. Maximum temperature 11 °C. A clear and cold night ahead with the chance of the odd shower. Feeling rather chilly with some frost and pockets of mist and fog possible. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

Friday:

After a cold and frosty start, a bright day is on offer with plenty of sunshine though it will continue to feel rather chilly. Maximum temperature 12 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Largely fine on Saturday with occasional showers possible. Dry on Sunday and to the start the new week. Breezy at times. Feeling chilly with temperatures around the seasonal average.