Easter forecast: UK due to spring back to winter weather

The UK's longest weekend is set to disappoint the public after strong gales, heavy winds and even snow are on the cards for the Easter bank holiday.

The good news is that the weather should slowly improve leading up to Easter Sunday following wet weather early in the week, making the school holidays much more enjoyable. Strong gusts of wind reaching 50 miles per hour are also set to accompany the heavy downpour.

The Met Office has put out severe weather warnings for ice across most of Scotland and northern England.

"The next few days are going to be windy throughout the UK. We have a band of heavy rain moving in from Wales and the South West and moving across England," Met Office forecaster, Nicola Willis said.

"We are expecting quite windy, breezy conditions.

"There are more difficult driving conditions. It is starting to get to the Easter holidays and there are a lot of caravans and vehicles on the roads. So we are preparing for some slight disruption to travel," she added.

April showers, sleet and snow

Rain is set to sweep east across Wales and the south west tomorrow while the north could see sleet and snow on higher ground tonight and tomorrow.

Willis said: "There will be a few showers turning wintry on Sunday but it is more likely overnight into Monday.

"It is more likely we will see sleet or snow over the higher ground, it will be a dusting, just the odd centimetre or so."

Motorists have been advised to take extra precautions, with automotive services company RAC warning that an estimated 16 million drivers are expected to take to the road over the Easter weekend.

"Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journey and consider alternative routes in case of delays or congestion," RAC spokesman Pete Williams said.

"In strong winds drivers should reduce their speed and leave plenty of distance between their car and the vehicle in front.

"Also allow additional room when overtaking cyclists, motorcyclists and lorries as they are susceptible to being buffeted by the wind," he added.