UK set for -5C snow with date 'flurries expected to arrive' announced

UK weather maps have turned purple as snow looks set to sweep across parts of the UK amid a -5C Polar blast. The UK will shiver in sub-zero temperatures as the mercury plunges and temperatures take a downturn as we head towards Christmas.

Weather maps from WX Charts, using Met Desk data, show that some areas have turned purple and the flurries are expected to arrive around November 21. The mercury will plunge to -5C at times in rural areas, especially in Scotland, north of the border.

Snow depth charts show as much as 2cm per hour could strike, too. The early Met Office forecast, spanning from the date affected - November 21 - and into early December has been published by the leading forecasting agency.

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The Met Office said: "A general trend towards more unsettled conditions for all parts seems more likely than not through this period. Initially, there may be something of a north-south split, with more unsettled conditions towards the north whilst drier conditions persist towards the south.

"However, as we head into December, a more unsettled and mobile picture will probably develop across all parts. Temperatures will probably be close to or a little above average overall, although some colder interludes are possible, especially in the north."

The BBC Weather team says November 21 onwards looks "increasingly unsettled", adding in its forecast: "It does not look like European high pressure is going to go away any time soon, and it could strengthen again for a while. So, the wettest weather could return or remain at least to northern and western areas of the UK, with a slightly drier and calmer trend for southern regions."

The forecast from the team goes on, warning people in the UK: "This should also mean that temperatures will be above average overall."