Snow and wintry conditions could hit north over weekend, forecasters say

Winter could arrive sooner than expected with plunging temperatures, rain and potentially snow expected this weekend.

Forecasters have warned the mercury will plummet over the next few days leading to wintry conditions.

Experts say that overnight temperatures in the north and north-east could fall as far as low single figures, and freezing in some areas.

Wind and rain will be the order of the day for much of the country, as a result of low pressure arriving from the Atlantic.

Forecasters warn the current calm and settled weather is about to come to an end as wind and rain arrives at the end of the week.

The Met Office has said things will turn wetter by Saturday as southwesterly winds start to come in from the Atlantic.

And, with the dip to freezing in some higher ground in the north, there is potential for frosty conditions.