UK weather: Temperatures plunge below zero as DEEP FREEZE strikes with 'some snow likely' over Christmas
WATCH: Aidan McGivern with the latest forecast for GB News
Met Office
Britain is bracing for a deep freeze as temperatures plummet below zero, with forecasters predicting snow could blanket parts of the country over the Christmas period.
The Met Office's long-range forecast indicates sleet and snow is "likely at times" between Christmas Eve and January 7, particularly on higher ground in the north.
Temperatures are set to dramatically drop from December 22, with Stirlingshire potentially facing lows of -6C due to a harsh Scandinavian chill.
A 36-hour snowstorm is expected to sweep parts of Britain just before Christmas, with forecasters warning of a rare freezing rain event in northern England.
There was snow last month across the UK
PA/WXCharts
Stirlingshire is expected to face the harshest temperatures, with forecasts showing lows of -6C due to an incoming Scandinavian chill.
Scotland's north coast is predicted to hit -5C, while Inverness could see -4C and Aberdeen -1C.
Edinburgh residents are being warned to prepare for -4C conditions, with Newcastle bracing for temperatures around 0C. Further south, the north of England is forecast to experience -1C, while Wales hovers around 0C.
Even London isn't escaping the cold snap, with temperatures expected to reach just 2C, while Plymouth could see 3C and East Anglia 5C.
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The forecast for Monday, December 23
WXCharts
There could be some snow on the day before Christmas Eve
WXCharts
Weather maps show a 36-hour snowstorm will hit Britain from 6pm on December 23 until the early hours of Christmas morning, with the mercury plunging to as low as -12C in the Scottish Highlands.
Northern Scotland above Edinburgh is expected to face snowy conditions on Christmas Eve, spreading south to the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway by midday.
The snow is predicted to reach as far south as the Midlands by Christmas Day.
Up to 10cm of snow per hour could fall in the north and west of Scotland on Christmas Eve, while the northwest of England may see around 1cm.
Snowfall in Buxton town centre last month
PA
Snow in Yorkshire earlier this month
PAA Met Office spokesperson said: "Mainly unsettled conditions appear likely for most, with spells of wind and rain followed by showers affecting most areas but especially towards the northwest of the UK.
"Some sleet and snow is also likely at times, especially on high ground in the north.
"However, there are also some signs that more settled conditions are possible at times, these perhaps most likely across the south late in December or into early January."
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