SNOW is to hit North Wales this week with temperatures in the region set to plummet.

The Met Office says snowfall is set to be accompanied by frosts, hail and sleet, particularly in northern parts of the UK.

Colder, unsettled conditions are expected to spread to the entire UK on Thursday with frequent showers, areas of heavy rain and some snow on higher ground - with areas such as Snowdonia and near Moel Famau set to be worst affected.

Steve Ramsdale, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Although we’re going to see a few days with colder conditions, we shouldn’t be surprised that the start of winter brings a brief spell of wintry weather.

"Some parts of the UK, especially northern hills, may see snow, but for many this will only be short lived.

"We’ll be monitoring the forecast and we will issue further warnings accordingly.”

There is also the chance of some snow to lower levels in places later in the week, but the Met Office says it is currently uncertain exactly where snow will fall.

In the clear periods between bands of wintry showers, frosts are likely and these could be sharp or even severe in prolonged clear conditions in north-western parts of the UK.

These unsettled conditions are likely to persist into the weekend with further periods of strong winds, heavy rain and wintry showers.

How long the rather cold conditions persists is currently uncertain, but looks likely to continue into early next week.

Chris Bulmer, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist added: “Although winter has started rather abruptly, this colder spell is expected to be part of typical seasonal fluctuations and doesn’t set the mould for the rest of winter."