Weather modelling charts indicate snow may shortly blanket the entire breadth of Britain, with the white stuff descending at an astonishing rate of approximately four inches per hour.

The ECMWF weather model forecasts flurries initially striking Northern Ireland, western Scotland and the north of England at approximately 6am on March 6, with the snow expected to strengthen and expand throughout the day.

At noon, the weather charts demonstrate snow descending in the south-west, Wales, north-west and throughout a vast expanse of Scotland. With snow settling near Plymouth alongside the far north of Scotland, the blizzard might cover a distance of approximately 600 miles.

Where snow proves heaviest, notably in western Scotland, the data indicates it might descend at a rate of approximately four inches per hour. Charts for noon on March 7 demonstrate snow will subsequently become focused in Scotland and the northern regions of England.

By 6pm on March 7, charts demonstrate snow exclusively in western and northern Scotland. Once more, data indicates it might be descending at a rate of approximately four inches per hour during this period.

It also shows temperatures in Scotland plunging to -3C throughout this spell, with temperatures elsewhere battling to climb above 2C or 3C.

The Met Office has indicated snow might be anticipated towards the end of February and at the beginning of March. Its forecast for February 26 to March 7 declares: “Changeable with Atlantic frontal systems spreading across the UK with drier and brighter interludes in between.

“Rainfall will typically be heaviest in the west, with much less reaching sheltered eastern areas. Some snow is possible across high ground in the north. Winds will probably be strong at times, with a risk of gales. Temperatures are likely to be near to or slightly above normal.”

Nevertheless, towards the latter part of March certain regions can anticipate periods of settled weather. The Met Office prediction for March 8 to 22 indicates: “Changeable conditions will probably dominate during this period, with Atlantic frontal systems spreading across the UK.

“These will bring spells of rain and perhaps strong winds, with the wettest conditions in the west and north. The southeast will likely be driest, perhaps with some long spells of dry weather developing for the south later. Temperatures are likely to be near to or slightly above normal overall.”