Colder air set to arrive - what it could mean for snow in Lancashire
Lancashire could see a return to colder winter weather later this month, with forecasters warning that falling temperatures may bring an increased chance of sleet or snow into early February.
While the next few days are set to remain unsettled with rain and strong winds, weather experts say a shift towards colder conditions is becoming more likely as January draws to a close.
What is the weather forecast for Lancashire this week?
According to the Met Office, Lancashire can expect cloudy, wet and windy conditions at times through the rest of the week.
Rain will continue at times on Thursday before easing overnight, with temperatures dipping to around 4C.
Friday is expected to be mostly dry at first with some brighter spells, but cloud and further light rain are forecast to develop later in the day.
Temperatures will remain near the January average, reaching highs of around 7C.
Winds are expected to be strongest around coasts and higher ground.
What is the outlook for the weekend?
The Met Office says Saturday is likely to be windy with a few showers, though largely cloudy, before further unsettled weather arrives later in the weekend.
By Sunday and Monday, temperatures are forecast to fall further, with overnight lows dropping to between 2C and 3C across parts of Lancashire.
Forecasters say it will begin to feel colder as winds turn more northerly.
Is snow expected in Lancashire?
While there is no firm forecast for snow in Lancashire yet, weather experts say the risk could increase as colder air moves in next week.
The BBC Weather has reported that winter conditions are expected to make a “U-turn” towards colder weather into the final week of January and early February.
Forecasters say a battle between cold air from the east and milder Atlantic air from the west will take place over the coming days.
If colder air wins out, some areas of the UK could see sleet or snow, though confidence remains low on exactly where this may fall.
Why is it hard to forecast snow?
Meteorologists say predicting snow in the UK can be difficult, as small changes in temperature can make the difference between rain, sleet or snow.
The BBC says forecasters often wait until just a few days before an event to confirm snow risks, particularly for low-lying areas such as Lancashire.
What is happening elsewhere in the UK?
An Amber weather warning for heavy and persistent rain has been issued by the Met Office for parts of Scotland, where more than 100mm of rain could fall on higher ground.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Dan Harris warned that flooding, travel disruption and communities being cut off are possible in affected areas, with impacts potentially lasting into Thursday.
While the worst conditions are expected well north of Lancashire, forecasters say the same unsettled weather systems are responsible for the wet and windy conditions affecting much of the UK.