ARCTIC winds are set to hit the UK at the weekend bringing snow, gales and hail storms.

The whole of the country can expect to see snow and subzero temperatures when warm weather from the west changes to a cold front coming in from the Arctic.

Scotland and the north of England will be worst hit, but forecaster Brendan Jones of MeteoGroup UK, says the whole of the UK can expect snow and freezing winds from tomorrow night.

Temperatures will plummet from the high of 14C (57F) to minus 4C (25F) in a cold spell expected to last until well into next week.

Mr Jones said: "Tomorrow night everything switches around and the north especially will become very cold.

"Through Sunday very strong northerly winds will bring snow showers to Scotland and the north of England.

"Higher ground will be worst affected but even in low lying parts of Scotland there will be a good covering of snow.

"Anywhere in the UK could catch snow here and there and even in the south of England it will drop to minus 4C, enough for a deep frost."

There will also be snow inland across England and Wales, but because the sun is getting stronger the snow is not expected to settle. The cold snap is expected to begin to ease off by Wednesday next week.