Met Office forecasters have given their verdict on the upcoming cold snap after some warned that widespread snow could be falling in the UK in a matter of days.
Giving a detailed explanation of the multiple outcomes possible due to a "meandering" jet stream, senior weather presenter Aidan McGivern said the national forecaster now believed snow was likely towards the start of next week.
This is because the naturally occurring air current moving over the Atlantic is being forced towards the Arctic by a low pressure front near North America, meaning cold air is brought along when it finally arrives in Europe.
Mr McGivern forecasted that this would combine with a low pressure system in the south and east of the UK to create snow showers that could be "disruptive" in parts of the country at the beginning of March.
Northern and eastern areas are likely to be worst affected, he added.
A less likely outcome from this jet stream pattern would meanwhile see more cold weather "fully spread" across all of the country.
In its long-range forecast for March 3 to March 12, the Met Office also predicts a "small possibility" of snow southwards in the days that follow.
The Met Office forecasts echo those coming from other outlets over the past few days, with maps from WXCharts suggesting some parts of Scotland could see a 45 to 70 per cent chance of snowfall on Tuesday, March 7.
Chilly temperatures are is expected in the meantime, with frosts likely between now and the end of the week in northern areas.
UK weather:
Rather cloudy with scattered light showers mainly in the east.
This Evening and Tonight:
Rather cloudy for many with scattered showers in eastern and central areas. Clearer with frost in northwest Scotland and also some clear spells with patchy frost in the south.
Tuesday:
Rather cloudy, with the best of any sunshine across western Scotland. Elsewhere a few, mostly light, showers, perhaps becoming more frequent across the southeast later. Feeling chilly under the cloud.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Further light showers affecting mainly northeastern areas while elsewhere most places remain dry. Breezy in the south at first. Rather cold with some overnight frost.