Snow is forecast to hit parts of Scotland within days - but most Scots are more likely to see rain and wind, say forecasters.
Weather maps from respected independent forecasting group WXCharts show wintry shower over the Highlands of Scotland starting from next weekend, meaning skiing could be on the cards for families this October break.
The chilly blast is expected to arrive on the mountains on the afternoon of Saturday 15, lasting into early Sunday morning, reports the Mirror.
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This weather front will elsewhere bring heavy rain, with much of next week dominated by 'changeable' wet and windy weather according to the Met Office.
Speaking in the Met Office 10 Day Trend, Alex Deakin said: “What we look to be left with through next week is a similar pattern to what we’ve got now, with low pressure systems mostly to the north and areas of high pressure to the south and a reasonably active jet stream pushing everything along.”
While October is too early for much snowfall of note other than in the UK's northern peaks, long-range forecasts unveiled by high-level meteorologists now suggest we may be in for a chilly winter.
A rare “long La Nina” weather phenomenon, which means large scale cooling of ocean surface temperatures, could even bring snow flurries next month.
In his analysis of the official ECMWF long-range forecast released this week, forecaster Nick Finnis wrote on his Netweather blog that the jet stream appears to be diverting further south for November, December and January - meaning the British Isles will be exposed to cold "polar air".
This would mean the jet stream and storm track diverted further south than average, leading to a greater chance than normal of colder spells for northern Europe, including the UK during November, December and January.
The predicted cold snap threatens to send energy bills rocketing as many struggle with the rising cost of heating their homes.
UK weather:
Some heavy rain today, then drier this weekend.
Today:
A band of rain, heavy at times and accompanied by gusty winds, will move southeastwards across all parts, reaching the far southeast this evening. Turning colder in the northwest with frequent showers, some heavy with hail and thunder.
Tonight:
Rain clearing the far southeast during the evening then many areas becoming dry with clear spells, and turning chilly as winds ease. Showers affecting parts of the north and west.
Saturday:
Most parts dry with broken cloud, sunny spells and light winds. Cloudy and breezy across northern and western Scotland with a few showers.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Wind and rain in the northwest Sunday, southeast staying mainly dry. Monday/Tuesday mainly fine with sunny spells after chilly mornings, but windy with showers in the far north on Monday.
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