Brits are set for a -7C Arctic blast with heavy snow across the country in the coming weeks.

We are in the midst of an icy spell today, and maps show that we will need to keep the winter coats at the ready over the next few weeks at least.

While there will be a respite towards the end of this week, where temperatures could even rise to 16C thanks to southwesterly winds, it will get colder again at the end of February.

And then a low pressure system moves in from the northwest bringing cold Arctic air. Maps from WXCharts show dark purple clouds stretching from Newcastle down to Plymouth, bringing a 330-mile wall of snow to the country on March 2. While in the southeast there is also heavy rain with several millimetres falling per hour.

The heaviest snow will fall in Scotland with around 20 centimetres in northwest of the UK overnight into March 2, as well as flurries several centimetres deep falling to below Manchester in England.

And then on the night of March 2 there will be 30cm in the west of Scotland. It will also be icy cold with temperatures getting to -7C in the north and close to freezing on the south coast. A Met Office forecast from February 22 to March 3 warns of heavy rain and strong winds during the period. “Frontal systems likely to continue spreading across the UK from the Atlantic during this period,” it states.

“These systems will bring spells of rain to many parts of the UK. The heaviest and most prolonged rainfall is expected to be in west and north-western areas, particularly over higher ground, with rainfall totals much lower in the east and southeast. Strong winds are also likely to develop at times, especially along coasts where gales or severe gales are possible.

“Between weather systems, some drier and more settled interludes are expected, these bringing lighter winds and sunny spells, perhaps accompanied by a few showers. Temperatures are likely be above average, especially early in this period when it will be very mild.”

But before that, looking to this week, the national weather agency states: “Mild conditions with wind and rain are on the way in the second half of the week, potentially reaching highs of 16°C, but snow and ice warnings start the week. Winter hazards start the week with cold air still in charge of the UK’s weather. It will still feel cold for most, and sub-zero for many overnight.”

There is also a yellow warning for snow and ice in place for central and southern Scotland running from 3am until 12pm on Tuesday. Snow and freezing rain may make for difficult driving conditions, especially over higher routes. It states: “Snow and freezing rain may make for difficult driving conditions, especially over higher routes.”

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