UK weather maps show the exact dates Britain is at risk from a 550-mile barrage of snow.

WXCharts has forecast snow to hit the UK on New Year’s Day (January 1), bringing with it low temperatures and rain.

Snow will be heaviest in central and north Scotland (Inverness, Aberdeen, Wick), where up to 39cm of snow will fall. It will also fall in south Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dumfries) and the north of England (Newcastle, Carlisle, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield).

There will be snow in north Wales (Conwy), Northern Ireland (Derry, Belfast), the midlands (Birmingham, Norwich).

There will be rain in the south of England (Oxford, London, Southampton, Plymouth) with some frozen rain in south Wales (Cardiff).

The Met Office has said of the period: “Fronts or low-pressure areas are increasingly likely to cross the country, bringing an increased threat of heavy rain.

“As colder air from the north progresses southwards, the risk of sleet and snow increases, especially in northern areas. Temperatures will start around average but will become slightly below average for most, though milder interludes are possible in the south.

“While there is moderate confidence in this trend, confidence is low for the exact positioning of any systems, which will be crucial in determining which areas see rain or snow.”

Met Office five day forecast

This Evening and Tonight:

Remaining very mild and cloudy with some outbreaks of rain and drizzle, these mainly in the north and west, where it will also be breezy. A few cloud breaks are possible across the south, leading to some fog patches.

Wednesday:

Largely cloudy on Christmas Day with some rain and drizzle at times, especially over the hills though some brighter breaks in the east. Mild with strong winds in the north.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Often overcast with some rain in north Scotland on Boxing Day. Otherwise largely dry for most with a few sunny breaks at times. Generally mild for the time of year.