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A sprinkling of snow is anticipated across certain areas of the UK over the next few days, weather experts have said.
A harsh band of low pressure is positioned to the northwest of Britain and is gradually tracking southward as temperatures decline throughout the week. Whilst Tuesday witnessed a peak of 22.7C recorded near Braintree, Essex, the mercury is now forecast to plummet - to daytime highs of merely 6C over the weekend.
This shift is expected to result in snowfall across various regions, including the Scottish Highlands and other elevated terrain. Jo Farrow, meteorologist at Netweather, writes 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 reference to a "move around the UK" alludes to students leaving home for university, believed to happen throughout this weekend ahead of "Welcome Weeks" on campus. However, with the weather changing dramatically, Ms Farrow warns families chances of seeing snow - particularly on Sunday - in their new environment are increasing.
While the snowfall is unlikely to cause disruption, Ms Farrow advises students to pack plenty of warm clothing for the first term. Netweather's blog further suggests: "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.", reports the Mirror.
"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 significant rainfall, particularly across south Wales and the Southwest of England. More than 18mm fell in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, and 13mm battered Cardinham, Cornwall, on Tuesday alone.
This has resulted in several flood warnings and alerts, including a warning for the South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head.
Looking ahead 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."