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Issued: 0930hrs Tues 8th March 2005
Duty forecaster: Simon Keeling

Arctic outbreak, back to the freezer!

Winter looks set to return this weekend, with forecasters and the Weatheronline Weather Centre warning of snow for much of the UK and Ireland.

The change to biterly cold weather will begin during Friday. A cold front will move southwards through Scotland on Friday morning, bringing rain and stronger winds. The rain will be turning to snow as the cold front moves southwards, bringign a risk of blizzard conditiions across the Scottish Mountains. Heavy snow showers are also likely to follow thr front over northern and eastern Scotland. The front move south during the afternoon, bringing snow over the mountains of northern Ireland and northern England.

We expect the wintry weather to continue throughout Saturday. Low pressure will be east of the UK, with strong to gale force northwest winds for most. There could be heavy snow showers across Wales, Northern ireland, northern England, East Anglia and Scotland.

Eastern parts of Scotland are at risk of some more persietent sleet and snow, with windesprad gales here.

Sunday remains cold with further snow showers. However, Ireland, western Wales and the west of England should be drier by then.

Whatever happens, Weatheronline will keep you informed.