Most of the UK is likely to be hit by heavy snow and freezing temperatures as a 742-mile polar blast hits the country, maps show. WXCharts maps have turned white covering areas from Wick to Plymouth as the temperature level plunges to -14C on January 7.

Layers of snow will accumulate in towns around Newcastle and Edinburgh with 67cm of snow per hour on January 7, maps suggest.

However, northern areas of the country will experience freezing temperatures during this period, as maps show areas around Fort William and Portree experiencing brutal temperatures of -14C.

According to meteorologists, the month of January will begin with a spell of freezing cold which risks spreading throughout the country. Weather maps show snowy conditions could persist in Britain for 14 days, bringing more freezing temperatures.

Jim Dale, meteorologist at British Weather Services, said: “Cold and snowy conditions appear on New Year’s Eve and spread southwards on New Year’s Day and beyond.

“It will be much colder everywhere, but most snowfall will be confined to the north of the UK. At first it will take time to hit the south but it is not excluded. It will certainly be a very cold start to 2025. »

It comes as the Met Office issued a multi-hazard warning of heavy snow, rain and wind in various parts of the country. According to the forecaster, the start of the new year will be marked by unstable weather conditions and “danger to life” warnings will be issued.

THE Met OfficeThe long-range forecast between January 2 and 11 reads: “As the deep area of ​​low pressure dissipates eastward by Thursday, winds will shift to the north and cold air will be drawn in across the UK.

“Rain and sleet showers will increasingly turn into snow, especially in the north and on coasts exposed to the onshore wind.

“This cold, rainy northerly wind could persist for a few days before high pressure develops from the west, bringing a period of calmer weather.

“There is a chance of rain arriving from the south during the first weekend of January, turning into snow as it encounters colder air. Over the next week, a fairly changeable situation is very likely.

“The wettest and windiest weather is in the north and west, while the south and east are likely to remain calmer overall.”