Parts of UK face snow amid Storm Dave but temperatures may hit mid-20s next week

Those travelling over the Easter weekend have been told there could be disruption on the roads as well as on rail, air and ferry services.

Storm Dave is expected to bring heavy snow and gale-force winds across northern parts of the UK on Saturday but temperatures could reach the mid-20s next week.

Up to 30 centimetres of snow could fall, with the Met Office issuing a yellow severe weather warning in Scotland for heavy snow and blizzards causing some travel and power disruption.

Those travelling over the Easter weekend have been told there could be disruption on the roads as well as on rail, air and ferry services.

Greg Dewhurst, a Met Office meteorologist, said: “There is cold air across Scotland at the moment and, as the rain pushes across this afternoon, it is going to turn to snow.

“We’ll see heavy snow forming across parts of the Highlands as we go through the rest of the afternoon into the evening time and early hours, as much as 20 to 30 centimetres could fall over the higher ground, and five to 10 centimetres over lower ground.”

However, temperatures are set to rise after Easter Monday as warmer air comes from Europe.

Mr Dewhurst said: “On Tuesday, warmer air moves in across England and Wales from the near continent through Tuesday and into Wednesday.

“We will see temperatures rising to the low 20s, with highs around 20C or 21C on Tuesday, and possibly 23C or 24C come Wednesday.

“The sunniest skies on Wednesday may be limited to south-east England, where 23 and 24 is most likely.”

He added that mid-20s temperatures are normal for April as the sun starts getting stronger.

The Met Office still has yellow severe weather warnings in place for wind covering the whole of mainland Scotland, Northern Ireland, parts of northern England and North Wales from Saturday evening into Sunday.

There could also be dangerous conditions from large waves along the coastline as well as gusts of up to 90mph in exposed areas.

Storm Dave will hit hardest on Saturday evening, before beginning to weaken on Sunday as it moves into the North Sea.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney urged people to follow advice from authorities.

He told the Press Association: “There have been very clear weather warnings that have been issued for later on today from Storm Dave, with the prospect of really quite challenging conditions.

“So I would encourage people to follow all of the advice around the country and to stay safe.

“The weather warnings are issued when we have information that suggests there will be challenging conditions, and we think we’ll have those challenging conditions later on today.

“So my advice to members of the public would be to follow all of the advice that’s available and to make sure they stay safe.”

The RAC predicted it would be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022.

Travel trade organisation Abta has also estimated that two million people from the UK will travel abroad between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Those driving in Scotland have been urged to check their journeys before setting off.

George Fiddes, from Transport Scotland, said: “Storm Dave is a timely reminder that we can face challenging weather conditions at any time of year, not just during the winter period.

“The Met Office warnings show high winds will impact the whole country this weekend, with the prospect of some areas also being affected by heavy rain and snow, so I’m urging people to plan ahead if they are travelling over the Easter period.

“Motorists should check their planned routes before setting off.”

Police in Scotland urged HGV and bus drivers to use “extreme caution” when Storm Dave hits at the weekend.

Network Rail Scotland said the worst affected lines would be on the Ayrshire coast, the East Coast Main Line and in the north east.