The Met Office has said there is an "increasing risk" of snow next week after revealing its latest outlook for the month of March.

Colder weather is on its way, with arctic air spreading across the UK.

Wintry showers are expected to affect northern and eastern areas, the forecaster said.

And there is an "increasing risk" that snow and sleet will move further south across the UK as temperatures fall below the average for this time of year. 

 

 

Mark Sideway, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "The extended outlook shows the possibility for a series of areas of low pressure to come across the Atlantic, and these bring the potential for some more widespread snowfall as they encounter the cold air."

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Beyond the first week of March, the outlook suggests further potential for colder conditions although at this time it is unclear.

A spokesman for the Met Office added: "Temperatures are most likely to be below average overall during at least the first half of March.

"There is a chance that some areas could see snow. Some wintry episodes could be disruptive with a combination of snow and strong winds."