Whilst numerous regions are basking in prolonged periods of spring sunshine, fresh weather maps indicate snow is approaching next week.

WXCHARTS maps reveal snow descending over a substantial swathe of the UK from approximately 6am on Friday, March 13. The most intense snow is anticipated in northern Scotland initially, but flurries are also predicted to affect Wales, Northern Ireland and north-west England around this period, with locations as far as Manchester set to be in the firing line.

The majority of Northern Ireland will be beneath a blanket of snow during this period.

Blizzards will persist throughout the day, with up to 12cm of snow forecast in certain areas. Temperatures are predicted to plummet as low as -7C in some locations.

This fresh wave of snow arrives despite parts of the UK experiencing the warmest day of the year thus far. The mercury climbed above 19C on Thursday in London, with many people enjoying clear skies and warm periods of daylight.

Nevertheless, Met Office has cautioned of a potential "colder spell" to arrive later this month. However, should it materialise, the national weather agency anticipates it after March 20.

The Met Office forecast for March 20 to April 4 states: "The start of this period could see unsettled conditions fairly widely across the UK, with spells of rain and strong winds affecting many areas at times, although western areas likely remain wettest.

"Then, whilst confidence in the details is low, there is the potential for weather patterns to become slower-moving by late March, with unsettled weather possibly becoming more confined to parts of the south west, as areas towards the north turn drier.

"Overall, temperatures will probably end up near to average, and at present there are indications of a cooler spell towards the turn of the month."

BBC Weather has cautioned of "wintry showers". Its forecast for March 16 to 22 states: "It will probably be a little bit cooler overall, although day to day temperatures will vary a bit as weather systems come in from the Atlantic.

"These weather systems will also bring spells of showery weather, and it is still early enough in the year for there to be a chance of some wintry showers over higher ground in the north of the UK."