Snow and strong winds are predicted to batter the UK over the weekend as the nation heads into an “unsettled period” of weather.
The mid-February heatwave may well feel like an age ago, with temperatures plummeting to -4.7C in Kinbuck, Scotland, on Friday.
Snow has been predicted for much of the north of England, starting on Saturday afternoon and continuing into Sunday.
A spokesman for the Met Office said forecasters expect up to 5cm of snow over some hilly areas of the north.
He said the country would face strong winds and by Sunday “we could be looking a gusts of 60-65mph, possibly even a little bit stronger”.
The wind will be particularly bad in south west England and Wales, but the strongest gusts will be felt in the north west, especially around Merseyside.
“Unfortunately it’s going to stay unsettled period as we go into next week, Tuesday and Wednesday could be even worse,” the Met Office spokesman said.
He added that alongside the wind he expected “heavy persistent rain” on Saturday night, which will develop into showers on Sunday that could become sleet and snow in the north.