The UK is set to be hit by a 16C spring heatwave in the middle of March, with the Met Office predicting a “split in weather conditions” in the early part of the month

The UK is set to experience a mix of weather conditions in the coming days, with balmy temperatures expected to hit double figures.

However, many will first have to endure chilly winds and even potential snowfall at the start of March.

According to Netweather: “This week [March 3 to March 9] will be predominantly changeable with mainly westerly and south-westerly winds, and low pressure systems frequently moving from west to east to the north of Britain.”

Meanwhile, WXCharts’ weather maps indicate that large parts of Scotland have a 50% chance of snowfall on the weekend of March 8 and 9. The northern half of England, Wales and Northern Ireland all have between a 10% and 40% chance of snow during the same period.

Additionally, Ventusky forecasters predict a significant storm from midnight on March 9, particularly affecting southwest England and the Midlands. This could result in up to five inches of snow covering Swindon in Wiltshire and other nearby towns.

However, once this storm passes, springtime conditions are expected from March 12. A warm 16C is predicted in north Wales according to another WX Charts map, reports the Mirror.

The following day, March 13, London is also expected to reach the same temperature. With the daily mean temperature high across the UK for March typically around 9C, next month’s weather will be almost double the average.

The Met Office’s most recent long-range forecast, covering March 5 to March 14, suggests a “split in weather conditions” is likely in the early part of the month. The forecast reads: “Northwestern areas will see some rain and stronger winds at times, as Atlantic weather systems arrive from the west. These spells of wet and windy weather will drift southeast to some degree, but will weaken.”

It then predicts that high pressure – typically associated with warmer weather – will influence southern parts of the UK.

The forecast continues: “High pressure is likely to have more influence across the south of the UK, at least at first.”

However, it warns that there is an increasing chance of unsettled conditions becoming more widespread across the UK, bringing more rain for all areas, even in the south. But, it adds, there will still be some drier interludes between these periods of unsettled conditions.