It's nearly May but it's Snowing in London

By Matt Hunter and Kate Samuelson For Mailonline

Published: 08:00 EST, 26 April 2016 | Updated: 19:26 EST, 26 April 2016

Snow and sleet has fallen in many parts of the UK as temperatures struggle to get into double figures with the prospect of a Spring-like May a long way off. 

Despite the time of year, forecasters are warning the unsettled picture will continue for much of the week with freezing conditions in many parts.

Thunder, lightning and sleet showers are expected with some in northern areas witnessing heavy snowfall, including on the North Yorkshire Moors and parts of Scotland.

The blizzard seen all over the UK were reminiscent of the bizarre scenes on the very same day 35 years ago, when snowstorms hit the British spring.

Cars were buried on the roads as the nation was blanketed in a thick layer of snow on April 26 1981, which saw the worst blizzards for that time of year in a century. 

Forecasters think parts of Britain will be colder than Siberia and Greenland this week. There is a strong risk of hail showers throughout the country, with a chance of snow settling down to 200 metres.

Tonight will see wintry showers along the coast, with icy patches developing in Scotland and eastern England. Temperatures will be down to freezing in some places.  

HOW COMMON IS SNOW THIS LATE IN THE YEAR? 

It is rare to see snow past mid-April, however it has occurred this late in the year a number of times over the past few decades. 

May 6 1997: 209 weather stations across the UK (88 in England, 36 in Wales, 62 in Scotland and 23 in Northern Ireland) recorded a day of snow falling

April 26 1987: Appearances of snowflakes falling out of showers in Wiltshire and Berkshire   

April 27 1985: Hampstead reported snow and quite a lot of other stations in London reported sleet   

April 29-30 1979: Showers of sleet and snow reported across the country

April 23 1975: A little sleet and snow reported across eastern and southern England 

April 18-19 1969: Sleet and snow showers reported in East Anglia 

April 21 1967: Widespread snow, mainly in the higher peaks of Scotland and northern England 

April 14-15 1966: Widespread snow reported in parts of southern England - of up to 8.89cm  

April 19 1965: The ground was covered in snow in parts of the north east of England and the Midlands 

The sight of snow in London has prompted a flurry of bets at Ladbrokes on April being the coldest month on record at 5/1. 

Another bet being taken on at 4/5 is that snow will fall in the UK every day until Sunday May 1. 

Nicky Maxey, a spokeswoman for the MetOffice, said: 'It's continuing to look unsettled tomorrow and there's still a chance of more hail and thunder. 

'More snow will be at higher levels, over 500 metres and further north there will be a chance of some thunder with some hail anywhere in the country. 

'Tomorrow the eastern side will have more chances of snowy conditions, less chance in the west

'That unsettled picture continues for the rest of the week, as we go on wind more from the Atlantic, westerly direction and low pressure will influence weather. 

'Temperatures will be in double figures again by the weekend. London on Saturday and Sunday will be 14-15C [57.2F-59F], back to more of what you expect for the time of year.'

There is a severe weather warning in place for northern Scotland warning of snow and ice.

The unsettled conditions could also cause problems for Monday's Bank Holiday, forecasters say.

On this day last year temperatures peaked in London at 11.3C [52F] - with the hottest part in Sutton Bonington near Nottingham which reached 13.3C [56F].  

Mrs Maxey added: 'Today is looking like most places will be struggling to see double figures. 

'As you would expect further north is colder - in Scotland, Aberdeen and Glasgow looking at 7-8C [44-46F]. In London it will be nearer 10-11C [50-52F] and for the south east today. 

'That's per normal and is a few degrees difference between north and the rest of UK.' 

Spring snowfall will allow the ski resort in the Cairngorms to remain open into May.

Heavy snow and freezing temperatures on Tuesday morning mean more than half of the 11 lifts in the Aviemore area are open for skiers and snowboarders.

In 2010, CairnGorm Mountain remained open until June for the first time with hundreds of skiers trekking to the snow.

This year, the resort will be open until at least May 2, when staff will review the conditions.

Snow is expected to continue in higher parts of the north east of Scotland until the weekend.209 weather stations across the UK (88 in England, 36 in Wales, 62 in Scotland and 23 in Northern Ireland) recorded a day of snow falling

CairnGorm Mountain general manager Janette Jansson said: 'We are absolutely delighted to continue offering great snowsports at CairnGorm at the moment.

'It was a particularly late start to the season this year, but we are certainly making up for it now with plenty of snow still on the slopes.' 

Tomorrow will see a mix of sunshine and wintry showers, with hail, snow and sleet across the UK.

Showers could be heavy at times and accompanied by thunder. Temperatures will be between 7-9C [44F-48F] in the north and 9-12C [44F-53F] in the south.

There will be more heavy wintry showers on Thursday, particularly along the east coast, with a chance of snow settling above 500 metres.

The wintry showers will continue on Friday, with a risk of hail and snow on the hills in the north.

The weekend is also expected to be unsettled, with rain showers across the country, which could turn heavy in places with hail and thunder. There may be snow in the Scottish highlands.      DailyMail