Met Office map reveals the areas where temperatures will plummet to sub-zero overnight

A new Met Office map has revealed the areas of the UK where temperatures will plummet to sub-zero overnight, with a 'frosty' start expected on Friday (September 13).

Forecasters said Thursday night is likely to be the coldest part of the week, as temperatures in rural parts of the country could drop as low as -2C.

It comes after the Met Office predicted the first snow of late 2024, with temperatures set to drop to well below zero in certain areas, particularly in Scotland.

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A spokesperson previously said: "A cold front sweeping south will introduce Arctic air to the UK, resulting in below average temperatures nationwide this week.

"It's possible there could be some snow on the very tops of the highest peaks in Scotland. We're talking above around 800 meters."

Met Office forecasters said a 'cold, showery airmass' will sweep over much of the country throughout this week causing a chilly snap with the mercury falling to below average for September.

In a new update, a Met Office map showed how low temperatures could drop in rural parts of the UK, with Thursday night into Friday set to be the coldest of the week.

Areas in north Scotland are expected to drop as low as -2C overnight, with north west England seeing lows of around 2C. Wales will also see temperatures plummet to below zero.

In the update, the Met Office posted: "Hot water bottles at the ready, tonight will be the chilliest of this week's cold spell/

"Frost is possible in rural locations as temperatures tumble away. Be prepared to potentially scrape the car window first thing on Friday morning."

Friday will generally be a dry day after possible patchy frost again on Thursday night. Clare Nasir, Met Office meteorologist, said: “A ridge of high pressure is moving in, so a cold start, with a localised frost, but with that we’ll see some sunshine.

“All change though as we head into the weekend from the north west.”

However, looking ahead to next week, temperatures are set to rise to 21C in some areas, and around 19 in Greater Manchester with the warmer weather to return by Tuesday (September 17).

The Met Office said milder air from the Atlantic is expected to 'push back across the country' on Friday (September 13) and into the weekend, 'cutting off the cold air from the north and seeing a return to temperatures nearer average for the time of year.'