The UK could be set for snow as a "stratospheric" event prepares to grip the northern hemisphere. The stratospheric event could see a warming event develop over the next two weeks, "leading to a collapse of the polar vortex".

Daniel Adamson of MetDesk told the : "This will be the second and probably final disruption of the polar vortex this winter in the northern hemisphere, the first having taken place earlier last month, which was associated with a severe cold spell across much of the eastern half of the US. The next stratospheric event looks stronger than the previous one, and will probably weaken the jet stream pattern.

"This may allow a release of cold air from the polar regions to move southwards into North America or Eurasia, in turn increasing the risk of significant snow for some regions."

A polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the earth's poles.

According to the National Weather Service: "Many times during winter in the northern hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand, sending cold air southward with the jet stream.

"This occurs fairly regularly during wintertime and is often associated with large outbreaks of Arctic air."

This comes as weather maps generated by WXCharts.com show parts of Britain turning white as the country prepares for what could be its final bout of .

The could see snow fall across the UK on March 12 with temperatures struggling to make it above zero as large parts of the country endure sub-zero weather.

According to the maps, snow will fall along Britain's east coast, stretching from the north of Scotland to on the south coast of England.

The cold could last for the remainder of the week, with WXCharts's weather maps for March 14 indicating temperatures as freezing as -6C in many parts of the country.

long range weather forecast for March 10 to 19 predicts: "Temperatures will likely be below normal. Through the following weekend and into the week after, conditions may slowly become milder and more changeable with some unsettled spells bringing periods of rain and strong winds."