A massive snow bomb is set to blast the UK before the end of 2024, with icy conditions and heavy snow forecast for large parts of the country.

According to WX Charts, several areas will be blanketed with snow in the days leading up to Christmas and the New Year, bringing a mix of heavy showers and freezing temperatures.

The snow is expected to hit hardest between Friday, December 20, and Monday, December 23, covering regions across Scotland, northern England, and parts of the Midlands.

WX Charts forecast shows intense purple snow bands sweeping in from the northwest, blanketing higher ground and some lower-lying areas.

Starting Friday, December 20, WX Charts maps predict the first round of snow will hit Scotland, particularly across the Highlands and western regions.

Some areas could see snow depths building up to 5-10cm, with higher peaks possibly receiving even bigger accumulations.

The wintry showers will spread southward overnight, with parts of northern England, such as the Pennines, also expected to wake up to a fresh blanket of snow on Saturday, December 21.

By Monday, December 23, the charts show more widespread snow hitting northern and central areas.

Places such as Cumbria, Northumberland, and parts of Yorkshire are forecast to see heavy snow showers, with depths ranging from 2-5cm in many areas.

Scotland, once again, is expected to bear the brunt of the wintry weather, with some spots possibly seeing up to 15cm of snow on higher ground.

Meanwhile, lower-lying areas, particularly in the Midlands and northeast, may experience brief snow flurries mixed with sleet and freezing rain.

According to WX Charts, this snow bomb will bring a mix of heavy snow and icy conditions, especially in higher altitudes and more exposed areas.

Snow depths could reach up to 18cm in some parts of Scotland and northern England, with the heaviest snowfall concentrated on the mountains and hills.

In the east and south east of England including London there could also be some snow settling according to one model’s predictions for December 22.

The Met Office is also predicting some rain before the end of 2024. As for Saturday, December 28 until Saturday, January 11, the UK could be experiencing further “changeable” weather.

For this period, the Met Office said: “Changeable with spells of wet and windy weather for most parts of the UK at times, these interspersed with some drier, more settled interludes.

“The heaviest rain and strongest winds will probably be in the north, with the south drier and less windy overall. Temperatures will likely vary around average with both milder and colder periods. Some snow is possible in colder interludes, especially on high ground in the north.”

Based on the WX Charts maps, the following areas could see snowfall before the end of 2024:

• Scottish Highlands
• Western Scotland
• Northern Scotland
• Cumbria
• Northumberland
• Yorkshire (including the Pennines)
• Parts of the Midlands
• Eastern Scotland (Aberdeenshire and surrounding areas)
• Northwest England
• East England
• South East England