The Met Office has released an in-depth weather forecast for March amid speculation of a Beast from the East and snow returning.
Following a mild and dry February, it is believed that cold temperatures could be on their way due to the phenomenon of Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW).
The UK's leading meteorologists has confirmed that there has been an SSW where the effects can take three weeks to impact on the UK and that colder weather is more likely.
It has not been confirmed whether the Beast of the East will hit these shores due to where the high pressure system is lying.
Wintry showers are expected, though, as temperatures are set to decline despite some sunny spells particularly at the start of the month.
The long-range forecast, which is updated daily, predicts that conditions will be "settled" for early March before the high pressure shifts and increases the likelihood of chilly temperatures and wintry showers.
The Met Office said: "Much of the UK is likely to see dry, settled conditions through early March, although cloudier conditions and showers, possibly wintry, are expected for the north and east at times, especially for coastal areas.
"Some sunny spells remain possible, especially in the south, where clear skies could result in some frost patches.
"Temperatures generally rather cold to cold. Towards the end of the period, high pressure is expected to migrate northwestwards, resulting in an increased likelihood of wintry showers in the north and east."
It admitted there was a "small possibility of more organised rain or snow" for the first half of March before stronger winds could become disruptive.
Despite the shifting high pressure, some parts of the UK are predicted to remain "largely snow free" as we head to the latter part of the month.
It continued: "Through this period (March 12-26), spells of rain and snow are likely at times, with a small possibility of these combining with stronger winds to become locally disruptive. Overall though, conditions are more likely to be mixed, with some areas remaining largely snow free.
"Northwestern areas are likely to stay driest throughout. Temperatures are likely to remain below average to start, although a trend towards average temperatures is most likely later on.
"Despite this trend, short colder spells remain possible, and are more likely than average."
Rumours of snow hitting the UK were exacerbated earlier this week when maps from WXCharts suggested there was a significant possibility of the white stuff arriving as early as next Saturday, and then subsiding on Sunday.
The weather charts show around a 85 to 95 per cent chance of the white stuff hitting Scotland early in the morning, extending to areas in northern England, the Midlands and Wales by around midday.
The likelihood of snow in the South East and South West is considerably lower, with areas seeing around a 20 to 55 per cent chance.
This teeters away by Sunday, with the highest chance of snowfall being in northern England at roughly 6am.
