Snow is set to fall on parts of the UK ahead of the Christmas period

Oli Claydon, a spokesman for the forecaster, said snow showers are expected on the North Sea coast, including Scotland and the north east of England, from Wednesday and heading into the weekend.

"There will be snow showers but we are not likely to see significant accumulation on the ground," he said.

The rest of the UK will see frosty weather from Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to dip as low as minus eight degrees Celsius in sheltered hills and glens in Scotland.

Meanwhile, parts of rural eastern England could see temperatures as low as minus five.

"We could see some snow moving into southeastern parts of the UK towards the end of the week, including Hampshire," he said.

"However, it may also remain dry."

Mr Claydon advised the public to check the weather before travelling.

Aside from the snow and frost later in the week, rain showers are forecast across the north and east on Monday night.

On Tuesday until Wednesday, there will be sunny spells for many, with showers mainly in coastal areas.

The weather is then expected to become more unsettled, with wintry showers in northern parts of the UK and some rain in the south.

Northern Ireland could see some wintry showers from midweek onwards but heavy accumulations of snow are not expected at this stage.