A cold polar air mass has spread across the UK and is bringing with it a series of showers, mainly across the west. These will be heavy in places, with the risk of hail and thunder.

Some showers will fall as snow on higher ground, with 1-3 cm of snow possible on hills above around 200 m and more than 5 cm above 400 m.

As temperatures fall this evening there is again the chance of ice across the western side of northern England, Wales, Scotland and large parts of Northern Ireland. A yellow severe weather warning for ice has been issued.

As we move into the weekend we are expecting a vigorous area of low pressure to move northeast across southern Britain on Saturday night and Sunday morning. This will bring heavy rain and southwesterly gales for many. Gusts of 45-55 mph could be felt inland, particularly over Sussex and Kent, with gusts of 60-65 mph possible in exposed south coastal locations.

Up to 20-30 mm of rain could fall within a 6-12 hour period and, although these amounts of rain are not unusual, when combined with gales some localised impacts are expected. Therefore a yellow severe weather warning for wind and rain has also been issued.

Pressure chart for midnight on Sunday 20 November 2016

Meanwhile there is a chance of some snow on higher levels at the northern edge of this system in Wales and across the south Pennines.

A second system could affect the south on Monday and Tuesday but some north western areas will be drier and colder.

Looking further ahead to mid week, temperatures will remain low with drier weather for many.

Chief forecaster Frank Saunders said: “With lots of varied weather around over the next few days including ice, strong winds and heavy rain, people should take additional care and keep an eye on any warnings and check the website for the latest details in their area.”

You can keep up to date with the weather using our forecast pages and by following us on Twitter and Facebook, as well as using our new mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.