BRITAIN is set to be blasted by a sudden icy plunge this week, with SNOW even forecast across parts of the UK.

       The big freeze comes after temperatures soared to highs of 20C last week, seeing Brits bask in sizzling sun up and down the country.

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       Temperatures are set to plummet this week - with up to four inches of snow expected in Scotland Credit: Alamy 6

       The Arctic plunge comes after highs of 20C last week Credit: PA 6

       A cold front, shown above, is set to move in from the north Credit: WXCHARTS

       Official Met Office charts show temperatures dipping as low as -1C in Loch Rannoch, Scotland, on Thursday morning.

       However forecasters have warned the mercury could plunge as low as -6C in parts as a bone-chilling cold front pushes down from the north.

       Alex Burkill, a Met Office forecaster, said: “Wednesday will be the most extreme in terms of wintry weather, as a cold stream of air will start to push southwards bringing unpredictable wet and windy conditions, even snow or sleet.

       "Overnight into Thursday and Friday, many areas will fall considerably lower than freezing, towards -4C and -5C.

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       "It looks like most places will be impacted; parts of northern England, northern Wales and central England are expected to be the worst affected."

       Cold air from Scotland is expected to reach England by tomorrow evening, leading to possible showers and overnight temperatures below freezing.

       From Wednesday a band of snow will move down from the north and blanket Scotland and the northern parts of England in around four inches of snow.

       And by Thursday it will have moved over northern parts of England, possibly dumping up to nine inches according to WX Charts.

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       Met Office forecaster Jonathan Vautrey added: "Snow could come on Wednesday evening or Thursday, especially in areas such as the Pennines.

       "Overnight into Wednesday and Thursday, many areas will fall considerably lower than freezing, towards -6C."

       Two or three inches of snow will settle on the ground in Wales later in the week, and Northern Ireland should also see some flurries.

       Showers are also expected to hit large swathed of the country, with many turning into wintry flurries in the freezing temperatures.

       The Met Office has predicted that today will see highs of 15C.

       Forecasters said: "Low cloud, mist or fog gradually clearing to give bright or sunny spells for most, although turning cloudier again from the south into the afternoon. Maximum temperature 16C."

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       Later today, the forecast states: "Increasingly cloudy this evening, with low cloud and fog in eastern coastal areas spreading inland.

       "Outbreaks of rain at times, particularly later in the night. Minimum temperature 5C."

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       Temperatures are expected to drop to -1C in Loch Rannoch, Scotland, on Thursday Credit: MET OFFICE 6

       Visitors flocked to Durdle Door in Dorset at the weekend to enjoy the scorching weather 6

       Surfers made the most of the waves on the coast