UK weather: Snow warnings in England kick off Bank Holiday weekend ahead of wind and rain

The weather forecast for the upcoming May Bank Holiday weekend looks grim for many as snow warnings kick off the weekend in Scotland and parts of England. The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for snow in southern Scotland and parts of northern England and the Midlands on 28 and 29 April.

The snow warning for England and the Midlands comes into force on 28 April night and is expected to remain in place until just after morning rush hour on 29 April. In Scotland the warning remains in place until roughly 3pm on 29 April, although this may be reviewed and updated at a later time.

A chief forecaster for the Met Office said: "A depression moving eastwards across northern parts of north England on Thursday evening bring cold air in its wake, causing showery outbreaks of rain to turn to snow, principally on hills but also to low levels at times."

Parts of England that are most likely to be see snowfall at the start of the May Bank Holiday weekend are cities in the north-west, as well as Yorkshire and Derbyshire. The Met Office has warned of accumulations of up to 10cm of snow above 200-300m, while as much as 4cm can be expected at 100m.

While no further snow warnings have been issued throughout the weekend, the forecast doesn't look bright with heavy rain and winds predicted for most. However, temperatures are expected to rise slightly and periods of sunshine could break through. Bank Holiday Monday is expected to be the most unsettled and windiest of the weekend.

The unsettled weather is expected to continue into next week, with 3 May seeing further blustery showers interspersed with sunshine. Persistant rain dominates for many throughout the week and into the following weekend, particularly in northern and northwestern parts. Southern and eastern regions are likely to see the most of the dry and brighter spells.

Many were left shocked on 26 April when London saw a dusting of snow as temperatures dropped below average across the UK. It was the first time London had seen snow in April in eight years, when it was recorded in Hampstead on 6 April 2008.