The United Kingdom is braced for a dramatic shift back to wintry conditions, with hailstorms, thunder, and even snowfall all possible over the coming days.

Weather experts have predicted a significant transformation in conditions, with cooler and damper weather set to replace the recent spell of warmth.

The country experienced its warmest day of the year so far, though this looks set to alter, according to the most recent predictions from the Met Office.

Meteorologists at the national weather service indicated that temperatures would drop, with thundery outbreaks anticipated.

Honor Criswick, a forecaster with the Met Office, explained that conditions would become chillier from midweek, though both sunny intervals and rain would feature.

Some of the rainfall could be intense, accompanied by small hail and thunder, with flurries possible over lower hills and minor accumulations expected.

Freezing conditions may form in certain areas during Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

This change follows last week’s unseasonably mild conditions, when the mercury climbed to almost 23C at Gogerddan in Pembrokeshire.

Much of the preceding week also brought clear skies and sunshine.

Ms Criswick noted that fresh northerly breezes would make temperatures feel considerably lower on Wednesday.

The thermometer will sit between six and ten degrees, though exposed areas will seem considerably colder.

Readings will fall well short of the typical figure for this period, which stands at approximately 11C across the country.

This marks a stark contrast to the previous week when the warmest day of the year was recorded at 22.9C at the same Welsh location the previous Wednesday.

Fellow Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst attributed the change to an advancing cold front pushing southwards.

Strong gusts are also forecast, with speeds reaching up to 40mph possible across northern Scotland on Monday.