New weather charts indicate that up to 95% of Britain could experience snow lying on the ground after a blizzard beginning on Valentine's Day this weekend.

The GFS weather model reveals that the south-west of England, sections of Wales, western areas of Scotland and the whole of Northern Ireland will experience snow at approximately 9pm on Saturday, as a storm approaches from the Atlantic.

At roughly midnight on Valentine's Day, snow is predicted to fall across the entire breadth of Britain - approximately 600 miles - from England's southern coastline to Scotland's far north. Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff can all anticipate flurries around this period.

Snow coverage charts reveal approximately 95 per cent of Britain shaded in purple by 9am on Sunday - indicating snow lying on the ground - with only the far south-west of England escaping. Snow depth forecasts show the heaviest falls will occur in the Scottish mountains, where up to 24cm (nine inches) is anticipated.

Areas of northern England may experience 6cm (two inches), whilst 4cm (1.5 inches) is expected in Wales and 2cm (0.7 inches) across the Midlands.

The storm will then push eastwards, the charts indicate, engulfing nearly all of central England and portions of the south by 3am. London could encounter snow from approximately this time as well, though the heaviest flurries are anticipated in Scotland.

At 6am on Sunday, charts reveal East Anglia and the south-east will encounter more substantial snow, with wintry showers continuing to affect London. The Pennines and the north-east seem to be in the path as well.

BBC Weather indicates snow could arrive in locations on both Saturday and Sunday as well. Its forecast states: "A crisp, bright day on Saturday, excluding some lingering wintry showers on east coasts in the morning.

"Turning cloudier in the west later in the afternoon and evening. Overnight and into Sunday morning, turning windy as a band of rain moves in from the west, falling as snow initially. Sunday afternoon and Monday will see a mix of sunny spells and showers."

BBC Weather also predicts some snow tomorrow. The forecast adds: "Tomorrow, rain across the south of England and Wales with a chance for snow over the hills. Cold in Scotland and North England with sunny spells and snow showers. Dry and bright for Northern Ireland."

The Met Office anticipates snow around the coasts on Friday. It says: "Rain continues to move southwards with Northern Ireland and Scotland seeing some sunshine. Snow showers around the coasts. Staying cloudy and wet across the south but eventually clearing later."

The national weather agency indicates "widespread" snow may arrive on Sunday.

Its forecast reads: "Bright skies with sunny spells on Saturday but feeling much colder than in recent days. Turning wetter on Sunday with widespread snow likely across the north. Unsettled into next week."