UK Weather Forecast: Warm Weekend Followed by Snow and Cold

As the UK gears up for a warm and settled weekend, the Met Office is warning of a significant weather shift that could see snow and colder temperatures return by next week. On March 20, 2026, many regions are expected to bask in sunshine, with temperatures climbing into the mid to high teens. Manchester is forecast to reach 16°C, while Edinburgh and Bristol are expected to enjoy highs of 15°C and 14°C, respectively. London is also set for a pleasant weekend with similar temperatures.

However, this warm spell is not expected to last. Starting Sunday, a band of cloud and patchy rain will sweep southeast across the country, bringing an end to the sunny conditions. According to the Met Office Chief Forecaster, Steve Willington, “While the early part of the period brings warm sunshine for many, it’s not unusual to see colder spells and even some wintry showers in March.”

As the weather begins to change, some of the showers could turn wintry, particularly over higher ground. This pattern is typical for this time of year, as the UK transitions from winter to spring. Early next week, a cooler north-westerly flow will develop, leading to a drop in temperatures and more unsettled weather, including potential hill snow in the north and brisk winds.

By Monday and Tuesday, rain is expected to spread into northern and western areas, occasionally turning to snow over the Scottish mountains. The Met Office has noted that by Wednesday, the UK will be under a cooler and more unstable north-to-north-westerly flow, which will bring frequent showers, some heavy and wintry over higher ground. Snow could even reach lower levels in the north later that day.

Temperatures are forecast to hover around or slightly below average, with some areas experiencing overnight frost as the week progresses. In the North East, for example, temperatures are expected to drop from a warm 16°C on Saturday to around 13°C on Sunday, with increasing cloud and rain later in the day.

As the week unfolds, the weather will continue to fluctuate. The Met Office is predicting that the warmer conditions enjoyed over the past week, including the warmest day of the year so far on March 18, when temperatures peaked at 20.9°C in Wales, will be replaced by a more typical March chill. The forecast suggests that by next Wednesday, temperatures could plummet to single digits in many areas, with some regions experiencing lows of -6°C.

In addition to the cold temperatures, weather maps are indicating that several major UK cities could see snowfall next week. Glasgow, Blackpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and possibly even London are among the cities expected to be affected. The snow is anticipated to arrive in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England during the early hours of March 27, then push southwards, potentially impacting urban centers across the Midlands, East Anglia, and into the south-east by midday.

Some areas in western Scotland could see significant snowfall, with predictions of up to 18cm of settling snow. Other regions, including Stoke, Swansea, and as far south as Southampton, may also experience lying snow. This dramatic shift in weather is expected to be a shock to the system for many who have recently enjoyed warm and sunny conditions.

As the week progresses, the Met Office warns that rain and wind will ease later in the week, but cooler conditions and the possibility of overnight frost will persist. Willington emphasized, “This pattern is entirely typical for the time of year,” highlighting that while the UK may be experiencing unseasonably warm weather now, it is not unusual for March to bring a mix of warm days and cold spells.

In summary, while the weekend may start off warm and sunny, the forecast for next week suggests a return to cooler, unsettled weather with the potential for snow in many areas. Residents across the UK are advised to prepare for a sudden change in conditions, as the pleasant warmth of the previous days gives way to the chill of late March.

For the latest updates and forecasts, the Met Office encourages the public to check their website, follow them on social media, or use their mobile app available on both iPhone and Android.