A MAP reveals the exact areas will fall as the country plunges into a -3C chill – before warmer weather returns.
Today will have a cold bright start with sunny spells and scattered showers across the UK.
Met Offi ceA map shows where snow (white) and hail (pink) will fall today[/caption]
AlamyHuge waves crash against the harbour at Aberystwyth last week[/caption]
The showers could fall as snow on higher ground in Scotland and northern England.
It will be a chilly day for most Brits, especially in the north and east of the country.
Tonight the showers will ease, although some are still possible in the east.
There will be patchy cloud overnight, but in most parts it will be chilly under clear skies.
Tomorrow will also have a nippy start, with showers persisting in the north and east.
Some snow and sleet could fall on hilltops for a second day while rain pushes into the south west.
On the whole, it will feel chilly again despite the light winds forecast for much of Britain.
Met Office expert Ellie Glaisyer said: “The reason for the low temperatures is that we’ve got an area of high pressure out west.
“That gives us a northerly wind across the UK, particularly across eastern parts.
“This is bringing us slightly below-average temperatures, as the air is coming from towards the Arctic.”
The weather will become more unsettled over the weekend, and showers could turn heavy and thundery.
Brisk winds will spread cloud across the country, and it will be chilly in most parts.
But the mercury will begin to rise a little from Sunday onwards, forecasters said.
The Environment Agency has issued 40 amber flood alerts across England.
But the agency said the general flood risk this week is actually very low.
Met Office forecast in full
Today
A cold but often bright start to the day for many.
Sunny spells with a few showers, which could be heavy at times, and perhaps turning wintry over hills in the north.
Feeling chilly, especially in the north and east.
Tonight
Showers easing for many through the evening, although a few still possible in the east.
Variable cloud overnight, but turning chilly under any clear spells.
Friday
Another chilly start. Showers continuing in the north and east, with some sleet and snow over the hills.
Rain arriving in the southwest later. Feeling chilly despite the light winds.
Saturday to Monday
Gradually becoming more unsettled over the weekend with showers, some heavy and possibly thundery at times.
Often cloudy and feeling chilly in brisk winds. Temperatures recovering a little from Sunday.