UK weather: 'White Easter' possible as mild conditions set to give way to bank holiday snow

The UK is set for a largely dry and mild end to the week but the promise of a “White Easter” lingers thanks to a coming cold snap.

While fears of a third incarnation of the Beast from the East bringing Siberian snowfall and widespread disruption akin to that seen two weeks ago are “overdoing it”, according to Met Office spokesman Mark Wilson, Britain is not entirely free from the grip of winter despite the emergence of spring daffodils.

Britain can expect to see patchy rain in the West on Thursday driven in from the Atlantic but moderate temperatures elsewhere, typified by hazy sunshine, reaching as high as 11C in central Scotland.

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But following the present mild interlude, temperatures are expected to drop in the run-up to Good Friday as conditions turn noticeably chillier.

The anticipated snowfall is expected to be largely confined to higher ground in northern areas, however.

“There is a much lower chance of disruption,” Mr Wilson said, confirming the cold snap but moving to allay concerns Britain was in for more travel chaos associated with a “Happy Beaster”.

“If you thought spring was imminent, you’re in for a bit of a shock,” Met forecaster Alex Deakin said. “Are we going to see the return of the snowfalls? With it turning so cold then yes, we are likely to see at least some and it could be on the heavy side.

“In a similar vein to a few weeks ago with high pressure building, the winds start to come in from the east and that means cold air. It’s still very cold at this time of year across Siberia and that colder air is just sweeping in.”