Maps and charts from WX Charts, which use Met Desk data, show a 400-mile wall of blizzards sweep across the UK in an Arctic blast.

The UK faces a battering from a 400-mile snow storm next week – as a final blast of spring spreads over the country, caking it in flurries of the white stuff. Maps and charts from WX Charts, which use Met Desk data, show a 400-mile wall of blizzards sweep across the UK in an Arctic blast.

Temperatures are also due to drop within the next 10 days. The wintriness is expected around March 25 with 7cm caking some areas, and 3cm per hour anticipated across swathes of the country, including the north of England.

Northumberland, Cumbria, Durham, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire and Merseyside are at risk. North Yorkshire will see the lowest temperatures in England, plummeting to -3C.

READ MORE UK faces ‘three days of snow’ next week with 61 counties hammered

A Met Office forecast spanning March 20 into April explains: “Fine and dry across the majority of the UK at the start of this period, although a few showers could affect the far north and far south on Thursday.

“By Friday and into the weekend, there is an increasing likelihood that rain or showers will spread from the south or west with most parts of the UK probably seeing some showers or longer spells of rain at times, perhaps accompanied by strong winds.

“Some heavy rain may develop, particularly in the west. Into the following week, unsettled conditions will probably continue across many parts of the UK. Some heavy rain or showers are possible at times, these most likely across southern areas.

“Temperatures will be above normal at first, probably falling back closer to average later.” And Netweather TV’s Ian Simpson added: “Following an exceptionally warm and sunny first week of March for most regions, we shifted into a colder north to north-easterly pattern with sunshine and scattered showers, some wintry in places.

“This weekend looks to be dry and quite cold, with many areas enjoying considerable sunshine today, although tomorrow will likely be cloudier, especially in the south and east. Next week, temperatures will rise again as we experience a south to south-easterly airflow drawing in warm air masses.

“Between Tuesday and Thursday, conditions could become warm and sunny for many regions. If this alternation between dry sunny weather and sunshine with showers persists, March could potentially be exceptionally sunny overall.”