Met Office issues 'significant' snow warning as 13 regions to be hit this week by Arctic blast

Snow is set to hit the UK this week as new weather maps reveal an Arctic blast will strike the nation. The maps from WXCharts, which uses MetDesk data, suggest bands of snow will spread widely on Wednesday, May 13. Snow is going to blanket much of Scotland with areas in the Highlands, Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross, Stirling and surrounding higher inland areas getting covered by the white stuff. In England, areas in North and West Yorkshire are also likely to see blizzards, according to the maps. Towns in Greater Manchester and Cheshire may also see some snow on Wednesday, however this is expected to be lighter blizzards. Although widespread snow is forecast, in the south many regions will see rain. Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn are anticipating heavy rain based on MetDesk data. On Wednesday morning, temperatures are expected to be close to freezing in Scotland with lows of 3C in England. Highlands Argyll & Bute Perth and Kinross Stirling Gwynedd Cheshire Cumbria Greater Manchester West Yorkshire North Yorkshire Teeside Humber area Durham The Met Office have predicted heavy showers this week, some of which could turn out to be snow. It says: "Blustery with sunny spells and heavy showers on both Wednesday and Thursday." According to BBC Weather, high pressure winds coming from the northerly direction will bring a cool air to the country. The forecast says: "During the second half of the week our air will have originated from around the Arctic Circle in northern Scandinavia. "Daytime temperatures for most will be much colder than normal at 9-14 Celsius (48-57F) in many areas." The outlook also suggests that there will be more chance of rain over the coming days, with the majority of the forecast snow impacting Scotland.