Live weather maps have turned blue, hinting that temperatures could once again plummet below freezing in the coming days. Long-range charts published by Netweather predict that the mercury will dip to a bone-chilling -3C on Thursday, May 1. Unsurprisingly, the areas set to be worst affected by the Polar freeze are the Scottish Highlands, with areas across Aberdeen, Inverness and the Cairngorms all affected.

But temperatures are also expected to dip elsewhere compared to the May average, with -1C in the south of Scotland, 3C in Wales and the north of England, and even London. The south west of England is set to escape sub-zero temperatures, but it will still fail to reach double figures, with 8C in the likes of Cornwall and Devon. East Anglia and the Midlands will be subjected to a frosty 3C, the latest cold weather maps on Netweather suggest.

Maps on WX Charts - compiled using date from the Metdesk - paint a similar picture, with temperatures of -2C across the north of Scotland, with -1C in Edinburgh and 0C in Newcastle. But the south of England seems unlikely t escape the chill, with predicting of 2C in aand around Greater London, with highs of 8C in Plymouth on the same date at 6am.

Separately, a map showing 850 hPa temperature (1,500 metres above sea level) shows a huge mass of cold air covering almost the entirety of the British Isles as the Polar freeze hits.

However, the Met Office long-range forecast for the period between Friday, April 25 and Sunday, May 4, actually predicts that temperatures will "probably" be at around average for the time of year - or even slightly higher.

It reads: "Most likely dry and often bright across much of the UK at the start of this period, although more cloud, and some rain are possible across western areas. Little changes through the first weekend, although the chance of a few heavy showers increases across the south. Into the following week, it will most probably be high pressure dominated, with large amounts of fine weather, and perhaps the odd heavy shower, especially in the south.

"However, there is a small chance of an alternative scenario coming off, with cloudier and wetter weather more extensive, especially across the south and west of the UK. Winds are most likely to be light, with temperatures probably at or slightly above normal."

Headline:

A week of fluctuating weather ahead.

Today:

The day will kick off with a rather cloudy sky, accompanied by bouts of rain across the western regions. As the day progresses, the rain will shift eastwards, succeeded by sunshine and intermittent showers. Some of these showers could be quite heavy, with instances of hail and thunder.

Tonight:

The rain will gradually move eastwards this evening, leading to a dry night with extended clear spells. A few patches of fog may develop, with temperatures dropping near freezing in rural areas.

Tuesday:

Tuesday promises to be a bright day for many, featuring sunny intervals and sporadic showers. However, rain is expected to return to the west later in the day. Many will experience warmer conditions.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Wednesday will see early rain giving way to sunshine and showers. Thursday is set to be mainly dry, with some sunshine. Rain is forecasted to return to the western regions on Friday, while it remains drier further east. The sun will bring warmth throughout these days.