Snow could fall in the UK in a matter of days as temperatures plummet to -3C and the Met Office warns Brits of strong winds and frost.
Coastal gales and heavy rain are forecast to sweep in from the West next week, with seven flood alerts issued for England today.
The Met Office forecast for Friday March 11 - Sunday March 20 reads: "A windy start to the period for all parts with heavy rain and coastal gales possible in northwestern regions.
"Outbreaks of rain will work their way erratically southeastwards across the UK, the heaviest of this will be across western hills. Elsewhere, especially the east will remain largely dry with variable amounts of cloud and sunshine, but with some rain and showers.
"Temperatures are expected to be mostly near normal to rather mild, though feeling colder in the wind.
"Through the rest of the period, frontal systems push eastwards which are likely to bring strengthening winds and rain. The main impacts are likely to be from heavy rain and gales during this time.
"Clearer weather, with showers, possibly wintry, may reach all areas by the end of this period."
Weather maps from WXCharts predict heavy snow will arrive by Friday March 11, with Wales and Scotland forecast seven inches and flurries expected in the Midlands and on the south coast.
The snow comes as an area low pressure blows in from the Atlantic bringing stormy conditions.
The areas most likely to see snow are elevated regions in the north of England and Scotland.
Temperatures today could be as mild as 12C in parts of the UK before the big freeze arrives.
This morning will be a frosty start for many central and northern areas, with any fog patches clearing by mid-morning.
The Met Office said: "Most places dry with sunny periods and variable cloud, possibly a shower in far southwest later. Chilly in the wind in the south and west.
"Tonight, fine and dry with clear periods, although cloudier at times in the west and north, possibly with a few showers in the far west where becoming windy."
Flood alerts are in place for the following areas today:
- Hundred Foot Washes in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk
- River Lugg south of Leominster
- River Thame and Chalgrove Brook
- River Trent from Cromwell Weir to Gainsborough
- Sutton Gault Causeway in Cambridgeshire
- Tern and Perry catchments
- Welney Causeway in Norfolk
UK five-day weather forecast
Today:
Frosty start for many central and northern areas, with any fog patches clearing by mid-morning. Most places dry with sunny periods and variable cloud, possibly a shower in far southwest later. Chilly in the wind in the south and west.
Tonight:
Fine and dry with clear periods, although cloudier at times in the west and north, possibly with a few showers in the far west where becoming windy.
Tuesday:
Dry with sunny periods in central and eastern areas, although clouding up from the west. Band of rain moving east across western and later central parts. Windy, especially in northwest.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Often cloudy with spells of rain in the north and west; generally drier with more sunshine in the southeast. Mild for most, though some cooler nights far northwest. Frequently windy.
