WEATHER experts say there is "a chance" of potentially "significant snowfall" in the UK next week.

The Met Office has commented as temperatures drop across much of the UK - including in Bradford - following a mild week. 

The first widespread frost across the majority of the UK this autumn is forecast tonight.

It is expected to stay mostly dry on Saturday before wetter weather moves in on Sunday. 

This wet weather is forecast to clear on Monday before things are set to turn colder again - and potentially "increasingly wintry".

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Dan Harris, said: "Early next week, following a brief more unsettled interlude, we expect to see a return to widely cold but quiet conditions.

"Some rain, or showers, are likely to affect some parts of the east coast, and these could turn increasingly wintry over higher ground areas towards the middle of the week. 

"Thereafter, confidence in the detailed forecast falls, which is typical when looking this far ahead.

"It does look as though there will be a trend towards something more unsettled, as areas of cloud and rain attempt to move across the UK.  

"At present, the most likely outcome beyond mid-week is that rain from the west slowly moves east, with snow possible over higher ground, and a continued risk of showers over eastern parts.

"However, there is a chance that a more active weather system arrives from the southwest, which would bring more widespread rain, stronger winds, and the potential for more significant snowfall should the air over the UK become sufficiently cold ahead of it. 

"Either way, a continuation of colder than average conditions seems most likely, more details will become clear over the coming days and, as you would expect, we will be monitoring developments in the forecast closely."