Snow could return to the UK this week as temperatures are set to drop, forecasters have warned.

With bookies slashing odds on snow to fall this month, the Met Office said that the Lake District, North Pennines and Scottish Highlands are most at risk.

After the UK bathed in sunshine last week, with temperatures hitting a record breaking 29C (84.2F) in central London, the hot spell will turn to cold weather, with winter flurries predicted for higher ground.

“Towards the end of the week it is certainly possible that the cold weather will include hail, sleet showers and snow, especially on higher ground,” said Met Office meteorologist John West.

“The areas most at risk are the Lake District, North Pennines and Scottish Highlands, but we are not expecting a big impact.”

He said May will start with unsettled weather, although it should not be a particularly wet month.