New UK weather maps by WXCharts reveals a cold blast sweeping in from the west that will bring a 300-mile snow bomb to Britain later this month. The forecast using met desk data shows the UK covered in blue, white, and purple spots indicating the wintry and cold conditions expected to arrive on April 20.

Both the snow and rain will kick in from the morning, as early as 6am, with showers from the Atlantic impacting regions as far north as Newcastle and down south as Plymouth, before clearing up in most areas by 6pm the same day. An area stretching around 300 miles between Newcastle and just north of Cardiff is expected to see snowfall, the maps suggest, while snow will also be lying over the Scottish Highlands at the same time.

The snow will affect areas across the Midlands, northern England and northern Scotland. The snow will also ease by the evening for the impacted regions in England. However, Scotland will see the snow covering Wick and Iverness, as well as the Cairngorms. Edinburgh. Manchester and Birmingham are among the cities that are predicted to see both rain and snow within the 12-hour period.

Freezing temperatures will accompany the unsettled weather with the maps showing a large blue stretch covering most of the UK and temperatures between 0C and -1C, in a number of regions.

The Met Office Long Range forecast for Sunday, April 13 to Tuesday, April 22 also predicts "a wetter period" through the middle of April. However, towards the end of the month it is forecasted that conditions will begin to improve.

It states: "There is a low risk of heavier, possibly thundery showers coming into the country from the south for a time early in the period, but confidence in this aspect of the forecast is low and these may well pass to the east.

"This heralds a wetter period through the middle of April with showers or longer spells of rain at times, which could be heavy and thundery in places. Strong winds could develop in some areas, particularly the south and west. Temperatures are likely to return closer to normal."

The Met Office's UK 5 day weather forecast 

Today:

After a chilly start, low cloud and patchy fog will lift and retreat back towards the North Sea throughout the day. Otherwise another dry day with best of the warm spring sunshine in the west.

Tonight:

Low cloud persisting along North Sea coasts, and spreading inland overnight. A few fog patches developing in the clearer skies in the north and west, where another rural frost likely.

Thursday:

Low cloud, mist and fog clearing to leave a dry and sunny day for most. Feeling warm, especially in the east compared to recent days.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Dry and sunny for many on Friday and Saturday, although rain may spread into the far northwest from Friday. Showers on Sunday. Feeling warm, but still some chilly nights.