AN ARCTIC blast is heading for the UK - potentially bringing snow, ice and freezing winds with it.

The Met Office warned of the wintery conditions which are set to move southward to the UK towards the end of this week.

While temperatures won't dip topo low this week, the weekend paints a much different picture and the wind will make it feel much colder than it is.

Steven Keates, from the Met Office, said: "On Thursday the showers spread further south and east, putting most places at risk of showers.

"It is going to turn much chillier, particularly through Thursday and Friday. Some areas could see snow, and some pretty significant snow."

Forecasters added there is a strong possibility there could be snow on the hills in Somerset by the end of the week.

He added: "Most places are at risk. By Thursday and/or Friday, I think most places will stand risk of seeing something a bit wintry - sleet or snow."

"Next weekend we could be into minus double figures overnight. But this week it will be more about the feel, rather than the temperatures."