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Saturday begins with a widespread frost and there are snow showers in northern and western areas. The showers continue this morning and a few could spread into central parts of England. Elsewhere sunny periods develop but by the early evening thicker cloud and wet weather push into Cornwall and Devon. 

Maximum temperatures range from -1C (30F) in the Scottish Highlands to 6C (42F) in south western England.

Heavy snow tonight and tomorrow

Tonight a band of heavy rain pushes northeastwards across southern and central England as well as Wales. On its northern edge it turns to snow and by the morning significant accumulations are expected. In much of the south it should turn back to rain but there is uncertainty about the exact positioning of the rain to snow boundary.

Tomorrow morning the wet weather edges slightly further northwards probably reaching Yorkshire and Lancashire, although there is a chance of it moving farther north into Durham and Cumberland as well as parts of Northern Ireland. Further heavy snow is likely and accumulations of 20cm are possible in central areas, leading to significant disruption. Strong winds in southern and central regions add to the problems. During the afternoon the outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow become more fragmented and return southwards. Scotland remains cold and bright with wintry showers.

The Meteo France Arpege precipitation chart shows heavy snow in central England at 10:00am on Sunday with rain further south. The details are not yet certain but at the moment an area stretching from the Chilterns in the south to Yorkshire and Lancashire in the north is most likely to have disruptive snow.

Meteo France Arpege 00z, 9th Dec, precipitation type 08:00 GMT Sun 10th Dec

By 15:00 the band of rain, sleet and snow is pushing southwards and fragmenting, although some heavy outbreaks remain.

Meteo France Arpege 00z, 9th Dec, precipitation type 15:00 GMT Sun 10th Dec

You can check the charts for yourself. The links below take you to the latest GFS and Arpege snow forecast charts available on TheWeatherOutlook:

Meteo France Arpege precipitation type

Global Forecast System (GFS) precipitation type

A Buzz update was issued at 16:10, Saturday 9th December. It looks at today's forecast data and the risk of snow tomorrow.

Mixed next week

Monday may bring more rain, sleet and snow to the south. Further accumulations are possible but during the afternoon it should turn drier from the west. The extent of the snow risk is uncertain with some computer model runs suggesting mostly rain and sleet.  

During Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday it stays changeable. Temperatures remain on the low side but it will be less cold than recently with the risk of snow mainly in the north.

Through Friday and the weekend a northerly air stream probably returns. High pressure will be pushing in from the west so there should be a good deal of dry and cold weather around, although there is the possibility of wintry showers.

Milder by Christmas?

As we approach the Christmas period forecast confidence is low and medium range computer ensemble models show a wide range of outcomes. Most are pointing towards milder weather but there is still a chance of high pressure becoming established and colder conditions winning out.

A colder winter on the way?

The TWO winter forecast has been issued and suggests a colder and drier than average season. This year it has been particularly difficult to reach a conclusion. Buzz looks at Sunday's snow risk. TWO's fourth winter discussion update has been issued. The winter forecast covering December, January and February will be issued this week.

Christmas countdown

TWO's annual Christmas Countdown continues.

16 day GEFS ensembles at a glance

Cold conditions develop in the short term. Next week rather cold and changeable weather is favoured but by the second half of the month the number an increasing number of runs show it becoming milder. View latest GEFS.