UK weather maps show 45-hour snow blitz as far south as Devon and Cornwall

Various parts of the UK could he hit by snow in days as weather maps for the British Isles turn purple and white. Forecast data from WXCHARTS.COM shows that all four UK nations will experience snow at some point on Friday, March 13.

Maps suggest there could be widespread rain across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales in the lead-up to Friday, as well as snow in Scotland. But by 3am, other parts of the country may also start to see active snowfall, in the North-west of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, along Northern Ireland's western border with the Republic of Ireland, as snow blankets large areas of Scotland, including the Highlands. The southern half of England could be lashed by rain at this time, weather maps suggest.

Active snowfall looks set to cover Northern Ireland and large parts of Wales by 6am, with flakes falling in North-west and North-east England, as well as Yorkshire and the Humber, as snow and snow on the ground cover much of the northern half of Scotland.

By 9am, parts of southern Scotland could be seeing active snowfall too, with snow continuing in Wales and the same three English regions.

By midday, snow could fall as far south as Devon and Cornwall, with snow continuing in parts of Scotland and Wales.

Snow could still be falling in England's South-west by 9pm, and up into parts of the West Midlands, with snow clouds hanging over a patch of the North-west, including Manchester.

By midnight, there could be patches of rain and snow on the ground in affected areas, with snow continuing to fall in Scotland and and western parts of Northern Ireland.

Active snowfall could subside by 9pm on Saturday, the maps suggest, though snow is notoriously difficult to predict days out, and it's best to check Met Office forecasts for any potential warnings and guidance nearer the time.

It comes as the Met Office raised the possibility of snow at the end of the week.

Jason Kelly, Chief Operational Meteorologist for the national weather agency, said: “A notable shift in wind direction to a north-westerly flow will bring a markedly colder day nationwide on Friday, with the potential for a mixture of sunny spells, heavy showers, coastal gales, and snow over high ground.

"There’s also the possibility of accumulations on lower hills too. The picture will become clearer closer to the time, so keep an eye on our forecast as the week progresses”.