Weather maps have predicted that some of the UK is in for temperatures as low as -2C later this month. Charts suggest that the sub-zero temperatures are set to hit the Scottish Highlands, as well as a section of northern England and on the Welsh border. On the morning of Monday, April 21, places like Ullapool, Dingwall and Gairloch in the north of Scotland will be gripped by cold conditions, WXCharts suggests. A tad further southwards, places like Kingussie, Fort Augustus, Inverness and Fort William are also predicted to be very chilly indeed.

Meanwhile, the mercury is thought to reach -1C in the Pennines and Yorkshire Dales that day. In the surrounding areas, it may reach as low as 0C. Further north, in places like Hexham and Carlisle, there may be freezing temperatures as well. The low temperatures are to affect the centre and north of Wales, too, as well as part of the border with England, maps suggest.

Issuing a differing forecast, the Met Office has issued a long range forecast for between April 18 and 27.

Experts say: "Mixed conditions across the UK at the start of this period and the first weekend.

"Showers or longer spells of rain are likely across many regions, these heavy at times with a risk of hail and thunder, perhaps accompanied by strong winds.

"Some drier and brighter interludes are also likely at times, but probably with large amounts of cloud.

"Temperatures will likely be near normal overall."

They add: "Into the following week, a similar pattern is likely at first with unsettled conditions at times with a risk of some heavy rain or showers.

"Later in the week settled weather is expected to become more prevalent, with more in the way of dry, sunny weather developing.

"Temperatures will probably be around normal or slightly above."