By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

The bitter cold that recently plunged into Europe has set the stage for snow to whiten London twice this weekend.

The first snowmaker will drop through the Irish Sea tonight (local time), whitening Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales. Snow will even spread into South West England, but rain may mix in at times along the coast.

Saturday is when the snow will reach London as the storm system passes through the English Channel.

According to AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Mark Paquette, “London will see a total of 5 to 10 cm [2 to 4 inches] of snow from this first storm.”

While the snow will delight children, slick roadways will create headaches for motorists. Airline passengers should prepare for flight delays.

This scene in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, could get repeated in London this weekend. Feel free to upload your own snow photo on the AccuWeather.com Facebook page. (Photo submitted by our Facebook fan Ryan V. on Dec. 13, 2010)

After this snowmaker departs London Saturday evening, another should take a nearly identical path through the English Channel on Sunday.

Paquette stated, “Again, I think London will receive a general 5 to 10 cm from this second storm Sunday afternoon and evening.”

Paquette noted that potential exists for Sunday’s storm to track farther north, allowing rain to mix in across London and limit snowfall totals.

If this latter solution pans out for Sunday, Wales and central England would become the target of substantial snow. This includes the city of Manchester.