Widespread sharp frosts are likely at night and daytime temperatures will struggle to get more than a couple of degrees above freezing by Sunday.

Snow is expected during this cold spell, and there is a risk it could be disruptive in some areas. Parts of northeast Britain could see sleet and snow from Friday, especially in upland areas of eastern Scotland and the Pennines. As the coldest air moves into eastern England early on Saturday, ice on roads, cycle paths and pavements will become a risk as earlier rain, sleet and snow freezes

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Laura Paterson said, “Snow showers will become increasingly likely across eastern, central and southern England on Saturday and then there is the potential for some significant snowfall in places by Sunday, particularly in the South of England. Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued and updated”.

Richard Leonard, Highways England Head of Road Safety, said:  “Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock, but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.

“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”

The weekend will also be windy for much of the UK with gales likely in places. With the wind coming from the east wind chill will be factor for many, making it feel even colder.

Public Health England have issued a Level 3 Cold weather alert for the coming weekend. Dr Thomas Waite, a Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health England, said: “The weather has felt much milder for the last week or so but this weekend it will get much colder again. And that may come as a shock to the system for some whose bodies may struggle to cope in cold weather.

"It’s worth remembering that cold temperatures – indoors and outdoors - can affect health, particularly in young children, older people and those with heart and lung conditions. So if you know someone in any of these groups, please keep an eye on them over the coming days make sure they’re heating their homes to at least 18C and keeping an eye on the weather forecast.”

Not everyone will see snow over the weekend and the brightest and driest weather is expected in western Scotland and Northern Ireland.  Longer daylight hours, stronger mid-March sunshine and a lack of pre-existing snow cover mean the impacts of this snowy spell will be less than the cold spell spanning late February and early March.

Looking ahead the weather will remain cold for Monday, but the risk of snow diminishes. As we head further into the week we begin to see a return to conditions more typical for mid-March.

You can find out the current forecast in your area using our forecast pages and by following us on Twitter and Facebook, as well as using our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.