Gales and snow set for weekend

Winter will return with a vengeance this weekend, bringing gales, freezing temperatures and heavy rain and snow.

Police today warned motorists to be extra careful on icy roads as February starts with a cold snap, bringing an abrupt end to the mild start to the year.

It means the early flowering buds that have sprung up in the last fortnight could be ruined.

Gale-force winds are expected to arrive tomorrow morning, with heavy rain later on in the day.

When it subsides, temperatures are expected to struggle to stay above freezing.

Snow is expected in some places across the country, including North Staffordshire and North Wales, but forecasters said today it was possible it could reach the West Midlands.

Met Office forecaster Barry Grommett said: "It is certainly going to get much chillier over the next few days and while the West Midlands will not be the coldest place in the country, I would rule out the possibility of a snow shower over the weekend.

"Tomorrow, winds could reach up to 50mph and temperatures will be around 9C but it will feel much colder with the wind and rain.

"Over the weekend, temperatures will drop to around 4C and there could be the odd wintry shower."

Gardening experts said the return of the winter weather was bad news for the premature blooms of daffodils and crocuses.

Guy Barter of the Royal Horticultural Society said: "All the early budding will come to a stop and some plants may be damaged, particularly if the cold snap lasts."