TEMPERATURES are set to drop across the UK - with the Met Office warning of an "increasing risk of wintry hazards" in the region next week.

After a mild start to November, meteorologists said a "major change in the weather" is expected - with an early winter cold spell bringing the potential for disruption for some in the coming days.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: "A notable early winter cold spell will arrive across the north from Sunday and will likely reach all parts of the UK by midweek.  

"Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air.

"This introduces the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard."

She added: "There is a lot of uncertainty in what might happen after Sunday, but there are a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds.

"It is possible that there may be some more widespread snowfall across lower ground, but the chance of this for any given region is low at this stage.

"What we do know is that the whole of the UK is likely to experience a spell of several days of cold, potentially disruptive weather next week.  

"Warnings for wintry hazards, including snow and ice, are possible, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest forecast." 

Current Met Office forecast for Yorkshire and Humber for next few days

Today

Mist and fog at first with some brighter spells in the east. Cloud thickens from the northwest bringing patchy drizzle over the Pennines, staying largely dry in the east. Becoming breezy over hills. Maximum temperature 12C.

Tonight

Variable cloud overnight with a band of rain slowly moving south across the region. Breezy to start with winds easing. Minimum temperature 6C.

Saturday

Cloud and rain clear south during the morning to leave sunny spells. Mostly dry with the odd isolated shower, possibly wintery over the Pennines. Maximum temperature 10C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday

Becoming markedly colder through this period, with frosts becoming widespread. Largely dry and bright Sunday, with detail less certain thereafter but with an increasing risk of wintry hazards from Monday.