Exact date UK to be hit by ‘snow bomb’ with up to 18 inches set to fall

Temperatures have dropped in recent days

Weather projections suggest that the snowfall will arrive around Saturday, November 23, with Scotland likely to experience the heaviest accumulations. Other parts of the UK, such as Greater Manchester, are predicted to experience lighter snowfall on the same day, estimated to be about 3cm.

There's been a noticeable drop in temperatures in recent days. On Monday, Katesbridge in County Down recorded lows of just 0.3°C whilst other areas, such as Sennybridge in Powys, also experienced temperatures barely above freezing.

In its latest extended forecast covering November 16 to 25, the Met Office mentions that rain and showers will affect many areas and could transition to "wintry" conditions.

However, it noted that the likelihood of conditions causing any significant or widespread disruptions is low.

The forecast also indicates that temperatures are expected to dip further in the coming days. On Wednesday, highs are likely to only reach around 8°C, with even colder conditions anticipated on Thursday, when temperatures may fall to 6°C in the Glasgow region and across Dumfries and Galloway.

But weather maps suggest otherwise, showing substantial snowfall anticipated in the Scottish Highlands. Some snowfall could extend as far south as the Home Counties and even reach the outskirts of Greater London by November 23.

Towards the end of the month, the Met Office advises that while snow could occur, it is most likely over higher ground in the north, with only a minimal chance of widespread or disruptive snowfall.

In its forecast for the end of the month, the Met Office says: "Some wintry precipitation is possible in places, with snow most likely to fall over high ground in the north. The chance of any widespread or disruptive snowfall is very low. Often windy, with a chance of gales at times, especially in the north and east. Temperatures probably near or below average with overnight patchy frost and ice."