Strong, brisk winds and coastal gales are expected to sweep through the UK over the weekend, while those living in the north of Britain could wake up to a dusting of snow on Sunday morning.

The weather will be largely unsettled, with rain showers and sunny spells forecasted throughout Friday and Saturday.

The Met Office is advising people to wrap up warm against “cold, fresh winds” that will blow through much of the UK over the weekend, with coastal gales on the west coast expected to reach 50-60 mph.

It will be frosty in the mornings for most of the nation, but northeast Scotland in particular will be hit by persistent rain on Friday with snow on the hills.

Matt Box, a forecaster for the Met Office, told The Independent: “Things are going to be cold this weekend, with temperatures in the north struggling to get above 1-2C at most.

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“But the low temperatures point to a likelihood of snow reaching lower ground in north Wales and England, and some parts of Scotland.”

Temperatures are milder in the south of England and some rain is expected but it “won’t be a total washout”, said Mr Box.

He noted the best weather will be enjoyed by those in the southeast and east of the UK, although there is a chance weekenders will experience “every type of weather in a single day”.

“Overall, it will be windy and cold with a mix of sunny spells and rain,” he said. “Wear a warm coat and bring an umbrella or waterproof wherever you go this weekend just to stay prepared.”