'I'm a weather expert - this is the exact date we're most likely to see snow in the UK'

Britons are likely to get a "surprising early taste of winter" as weather experts pinpoint the exact date when parts of the UK will get their first sprinkling of .

suggest that several areas in the country may see after November 17 that could see temperatures plunge to as low as -5C.

Express.co.uk spoke to several weather experts who indicated that are likely to set in from November 17 and may continue till November 21.

The predictions are in line with the weather maps that show 5cm of snow accumulating on Scottish highlands on November 19.

Brian Gaze, founder of The Weather Outlook told Express.co.uk: "There are indications of it turning colder after mid-month.

"In fact, several recent computer models have predicted a plunge of icy Arctic air moving, down across the UK around the 18th until 20th November, so it is something to keep a close eye on.

"It would bring the potential for snow to northern regions, particularly higher ground.

"Given the recent mild weather, such a sudden shift would mark a stark contrast and a surprising early taste of winter."

Temperature levels are forecast to plummet from November 17, according to the weather maps, nosediving to as low as -5C in Scottish areas on November 21.

Sharing details about the areas that are most likely to witness snow flurries, Jim Dales, a weather expert from British Weather Services said: "There are some signs from 17th/18th Nov, in a much colder northerly airstream.

"It is more likely for the Highlands & Grampians, maybe a few flurries down the eastern flank of the country 19th-21st. It is all speculative but the conditions have been confirmed over 3-4 model runs now.

"After that, sheer potential luck but far more likely Jan/Feb than Nov/Dec. Short chaotic bursts rather than anything overly prolonged. The snow conditions are possible north far more likely than the south."

The Met Office's long-range forecast for November 11-21 suggests the possibility of snow and colder than average temperatures towards the end of the period.

It reads: "Early next week will see a good deal of dry, settled weather as high pressure builds across the UK. However, after a bright start, increasingly cloudy conditions are likely to develop by midweek, with patchy drizzle possible at times.

"Some fog is also possible, this slow to clear. Later next week, it looks like turning more unsettled for a time, with some rain or showers, particularly towards the east.

"After a possible brief drier spell next weekend, it may become largely unsettled during the following week. Winds will be mainly light for many parts early next week, but breezier conditions seem likely to develop from later next week.

"Temperatures will be near or a little above average at first, but will tend to drop a little below average later."