Snow could fall in parts of Britain next week as an Arctic chill sets in following a blast of stormy weather, say forecasters.
The Met Office has warned that the first snowfall of the season could come as early as next Thursday. The sudden cold snap is being caused by a change in the polar vortex, forecasters say.
Wales' dry spell is also set to come to an abrupt end this week as wetter, windier weather is forecast with gales topping 60mph in some areas.
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Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said: "At the start of next week we are much closer to an area of low pressure.
"The whole pattern of weather will shift slightly east. As the low pressure gets closer to the UK the pattern will slow down meaning that when [the low pressure] turns up to the west it may stick around for some days next week."
While temperatures certainly begin to cool across the UK any snow that falls next week is likely to be confined to higher ground.
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The Met Office confirmed snow is "expected on mountaintops across Scotland".
John Hammond, former BBC weatherman and meteorologist for Weathertranding, told The Sun : "There is a modest warming taking place in the stratosphere which will serve to weaken the polar vortex and knock it off kilter over the next week or two."
He added: "After a very mild few days much colder air will arrive from the north later next week, which may bring some snow to the Scottish mountains.
"That cold spell may not last all that long but frost, and eventually snow, will probably figure more frequently in our forecasts before too long."
Met Office five-day weather forecast for Wales
Saturday, October 16:
Any early fog patches will lift by mid-morning and whilst there will often be large amounts of cloud there will be some bright or sunny spells. Just a small chance of an isolated light shower. Maximum temperature 17°C.
Dry with clear spells in the evening then clouding over with rain spreading in from the west giving most places a wet end to the night. Becoming breezy near the coast. Minimum temperature 11°C.
Sunday, October 17:
Cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle though Monday morning and foggy over higher ground. Remaining cloudy and damp during the afternoon but with the breeze easing. Maximum temperature 17°C.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Changeable conditions will prevail over the next few days with spells of wet and windy weather interspersed by some drier interludes. Generally mild by day and night.
The long-range Met Office forecast between Wednesday, October 20, and Friday, October 29, says: "Starting off widely unsettled with showery and windy conditions for many although this may improve from the west. A mixture of sunny spells and blustery showers for the east and northeast.
"Temperatures falling to below average for most increasing the likelihood of snow over higher ground in the north. More settled conditions likely to develop for a time into the weekend with some dry weather for most areas. However probably soon turning unsettled again as cloud, rain, and stronger winds arrive from the west.
"Unsettled conditions then likely to persist towards the end of October. Temperatures most likely trending up after a colder start to this period. Any further spells of colder weather likely short-lived and restricted to the north."
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