UK weather: Snow set for Britain this weekend in return to winter days after heatwave

Parts of Britain are set to see snow this weekend in a return to wintry conditions just days after a mini heatwave.

The Met Office warned of snow for the South East and possible flooding from Sunday evening.

After last week brought the hottest April day for 70 years, forecasters said heavy rain could also be accompanied by gale-force winds.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for Eastern England and South East England from 9pm on Sunday until midnight on Monday.

Rainfall of at least one inch (25mm) is expected in many areas of the South East, but some areas could receive more than two-and-a-half inches (70mm).

Daytime temperatures in rural parts of the South East on Monday are expected to struggle to reach 5C (41F). The average temperature for late April is around 14C (57F).

The Met Office warned that it will be cold enough to produce snow on high ground such as the North and South Downs.

It added that homes and businesses could be flooded and spray could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

UK weather map for Saturday and week ahead

The weather warning said: "A period of heavy rain will affect first Southeastern England and then parts of East Anglia on Sunday evening, lasting through much of Monday. 

"Although there is much uncertainty in these rainfall totals and how far West the heaviest rain will occur, accumulations of 25-40 mm are possible, and 50-70 mm in places during this period. 

"The heavy rain will be accompanied by strong to gale force Northerly winds, and it will be cold enough to produce some snow on high ground such as the North and South Downs, although this is unlikely to settle."

Last Friday, temperatures peaked at 29.1C in London on the hottest April day for 70 years ahead of the hottest ever London Marathon on Sunday.