As temperatures plunge in an autumn chill across the UK, the Met Office has issued its verdict on whether snow is on the way.

The country saw a chilly and foggy start to the week on Monday, with many waking up to temperatures as low as 3C in the south of England and -3C in parts of Wales.

Forecasters have warned the coming week could see rain and fog persist across much of the country as clear skies invite misty conditions and frost across central and northern areas.

The Met Office has said some snow is possible later on in the week. It will be limited to high ground in the far northeast of the country.

Colder conditions are moving into the north on Wednesday, with snow showers possible in northern Scotland, particularly Shetland.

Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: "Snow showers could briefly fall on lower ground in the far northeast of Scotland, mainly Shetland, overnight on Wednesday and into Thursday.

“However, snow may only settle on higher ground. Snow can fall in the far northeast from late October to May, so this is not unusual for the time of year."

It comes as forecasters warn frosty conditions will become “increasingly widespread” towards the end of the week as the mercury plunges to around 1C in parts of Yorkshire on Friday morning, and closer to 4C in the south east.

“High pressure will initially dominate, leading to widely settled conditions and overnight frost,” the Met Office said. “A few showers will be possible, particularly in northern and western Scotland, and perhaps along some North Sea coasts for a time.

“Later in the weekend, a transition to more unsettled conditions is expected as bands of rain, and associated areas of low pressure, arrive from the North Atlantic, bringing more widespread wet and windy weather.”

They added: “It is likely to remain fairly changeable through the remainder of the period, with occasional rain interspersed with brighter, showery spells. Whilst colder conditions will be possible at times, especially at first, it will often be mild, with temperatures near or a little above average for the time of year.”

As colder air spreads further south across the UK on Thursday and Friday, wintry showers remain possible over high ground in Scotland.

Rain in southern England and Wales easing through the morning albeit remaining cloudy. Drier, brighter and sunnier elsewhere after a chilly start. Windy in the far north and feeling cold.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Feeling markedly colder with frosty nights ahead. Largely dry with plenty of autumnal sunshine, though showers around the coasts and wintry showers in the far north with strong winds.