Temperatures across much of England and Wales climbed to over 20°C this week however conditions will change dramatically over the Easter weekend with colder weather spreading from the north.

The Met Office says It’s not unusual to see big swings in temperature across the UK in spring, however there will be a notable change in temperature as the warm air across the south is displaced. 

This is particularly true from late Sunday and into early next week when the character of the weather is likely to change with the prospect of snow showers for many accompanied by very strong northerly winds.

Temperatures in Cornwall will drop below freezing at night from tonight but snow is not expected.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mark Sidaway, said: “After a settled, warm spell with plenty of sunshine particularly across England and Wales our weather will take a notable change in direction later in the weekend.

"Very cold Arctic air will move in from the north west through Sunday, bringing snow showers and freezing overnight temperatures. The snow showers will predominantly affect the north and west of the UK. The south and east will likely remain drier but still cold with a lower chance of wintry showers.”

With settled conditions at the start of the Easter weekend, gardeners may have been eager to get to work in the garden, however with the chance of frosts widely across the UK people should take care with what is planted out.

Guy Barter chief horticulturalist at the Royal Horticultural Society said: “Overnight frosts in April are dreaded by gardeners. Magnolia and camellia flowers are ruined, fruit blossom and young fruitlets including pears and apples are spoiled and the tender tips of potatoes will be burnt off if they appear above ground. Gardener’s hearts are in their mouths through April as they anxiously scan the weather forecasts for frost warnings ready to rush out and cover vulnerable plants to ward off damage.”

While there is good confidence in the cold spell, there is still some detail to resolve mainly concerning any snowfall. However, with an Arctic influence the lowest temperatures will be felt in the north with the greatest chance of snow most likely over higher ground in the north and west of the UK.