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A sprinkling of snow is anticipated across certain regions of the UK over the next few days, weather experts have confirmed.
A harsh band of low pressure is positioned to the northwest of Britain and is gradually shifting southward as temperatures plummet throughout the week. Whilst Tuesday witnessed a peak of 22.7C recorded near Braintree, Essex, the mercury is now forecast to plunge - to daytime highs of merely 6C at the weekend.
This transformation is expected to enable snowfall across various locations, including the Scottish Highlands and other elevated terrain.
Jo Farrow, meteorologist at Netweather, explains on the company's blog: "A move around the UK might also bring a higher chance of seeing snow, especially if mountains and hills are nearby. The thunderstorm distribution could also change but some people like a lightning storm, others really don't."
The forecaster's mention of a "move around the UK" refers to students departing home for university, expected to occur throughout this weekend prior to "Welcome Weeks" on campus. Nevertheless, with the weather shifting dramatically, Ms Farrow cautions families that prospects of encountering snow - particularly on Sunday - in their fresh surroundings are rising.
While the white stuff is unlikely to cause disruption, Ms Farrow highlights it as she recommends packing plenty of coats for the first term, reports the Mirror.
Netweather's blog states: "You will need that waterproof coat as weather systems run in from the Atlantic, making Northern Ireland, NW England and Wales wetter parts of Britain. For those heading north, you might even need thermals in a few months.
"The forecast for Sunday might bring heavier rain and windy weather for Northern Ireland and Scotland. Just something to keep an eye on if you are travelling later in the weekend. A move around the UK might also bring a higher chance of seeing snow, especially if mountains and hills are nearby.
"Most thoughts might be about making friends, study and food or cooking, perhaps for the first time. However, do think about this change of seasons, along with your change of location.
"Yes, Scotland to southern England will be warmer, but by November you'll be wanting that warm coat, rather than shorts and sandals in your tiny Uni hall wardrobe."
This week has seen persistent rainfall, particularly affecting South Wales and the Southwest of England. Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire recorded more than 18mm, whilst Cardinham in Cornwall was lashed with 13mm on Tuesday alone.
The downpours have triggered multiple flood warnings and alerts, including a warning for the South Cornwall coast stretching from Gribbin Head to Rame Head.
Looking forward to the period from Sunday 14 September to Tuesday 23 September, the Met Office website states: "Generally unsettled with low pressure dominating much of the period. This will mean showers or longer spells of rain will affect most of the UK at times, hail and thunder possible. Potential for a deeper area of low pressure to run close to or into the UK later in the weekend bringing more widespread rain and strong winds or gales."