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Thursday starts with outbreaks of rain in northern areas but the south is dry and frosty. This morning cloud and light rain spreads southwards with clearer and showery conditions following into the north. Through the afternoon more persistent spells of rain push into Wales and western England.

Temperatures range from 5C (41F) in northern England to 8C (46F) in the south west. See the rainfall and precipitation type radar for the latest view.

Tonight heavy rain moves eastwards across England and Wales with heavy wintry showers following into western areas. In the north frost is likely.

Tomorrow wet weather in the south clears away to leave sunny spells in all regions. In the north west wintry showers develop and it will be quite a cold day.

Weekend and beyond

On Saturday wet and windy weather sweeps eastwards and over high ground in the north there will be snow. A mix of sunshine and wintry showers follows into northern areas. Through the evening the rain clears away from the south eastern corner and it becomes frosty.

The Meteo France Arpege precipitation type forecast chart is for 3pm on Saturday.

Meteo France Arpege 00z, precipitation type 15:00 GMT Sat 10th Feb

Sunday is set to be cold with heavy sleety and snow showers.

Computer models are suggesting a continuation of the chilly and changeable theme next week although some milder days are expected. The risk of snow is greatest in northern regions and over high ground in central Britain.

During the last third of February a Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event probably disrupts the usual pressure patterns across the Northern Hemisphere. As a result cold blocks of Arctic air could be displaced to mid-latitude locations. That increases the chance of very cold weather affecting the UK but it does not guarantee it.

Check the latest snow forecast charts:

Meteo France Arpege

DWD ICON

NCEP GFS

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Forecast tools

Check the latest satellite images, computer model charts and rain radar:

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Rain and precipitation type radar

Meteo France Arpege forecast charts

Global Forecast System (GFS) forecast charts

16 day GEFS ensembles at a glance

Below average temperatures are favoured for most of the period. The risk of precipitation increases with snow more likely in the north. View latest GEFS.