The Met Office has issued its verdict on the sudden weather change as the cloudy and colder conditions make a return to the UK. An Atlantic jet stream is likely to dominate the weather conditions in most parts of the country, with temperatures falling as low as 2C in northern parts of the UK.

According to the weather forecaster, the conditions will begin to turn windy from tonight with most of the north witnessing a breezy afternoon on Thursday.

Paul Gundersen, a Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Strong winds are expected on Thursday, with Scotland bearing the brunt.

"Inland areas in Scotland could see gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour, whilst coastal areas and hills could experience gales with gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour.

“Along with that wind, the west and northwest of Scotland will also see blustery showers, which will perhaps merge into longer spells of rain later.

“A few showers are also likely across Northern Ireland, Wales and northern England, but southern England should remain dry with sunny spells.

“It will feel cooler in the damp northwest, but temperatures will be nearer average in the south and southwest.

“That rain is expected to continue in parts of Scotland and perhaps Northern Ireland overnight.”

Weather maps from WXCharts show that the northern parts of the country could see mercury levels as low as 2-3C on Saturday.

The Met Office continued: " The weather will remain unsettled and rather cool across the weekend, although there is some sunshine on offer and when in it, temperatures will feel rather pleasant.

"Early rain over east/southeast England on Saturday should soon clear, leading into a weekend of sunshine and showers, some of which could be heavy with a risk of hail or thunder.

"Some more persistent rain is possible at times in northern Scotland, while southwest Britain is likely to remain the driest overall. Most areas will feel breezy, with strong winds possible in the far southeast of England at first."

This Evening and Tonight:

Cloud and rain clearing to the east, leaving clearer skies for many. Rain is likely to continue though across Shetland with showers across the north which can be heavy in western and northern Scotland. Windy, especially in the north.

Thursday:

Frequent blustery showers across west and northwest Scotland, with a few showers also across Northern Ireland and northwest England. Elsewhere, mainly dry with some sunshine. Windy in the north.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Remaining changeable and rather cool throughout. Friday likely to see some rain in the south with showers elsewhere. A mix of sunshine and showers over the weekend for many.