Snow map turns purple as 'artic blast' to bring icy weather to UK

Yet more snow could be on the way to parts of the UK as an 'artic blast' readies itself to hit our shores. A WX Charts weather map has turned purple with temperatures plummeting to as low as -13.

The map for next week shows most of the UK hitting between zero and 5C, as the country is covered shades of green. But in the top left corner of the chart, a purple area of much lower temperatures appears to be pushing towards the UK.

It comes after Brits have already endured a "significant period of cold" last week with snow causing travel disruption for many. This was followed by heavy rain amid Storm Bert with flooding impacting parts of the UK.

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WXCharts maps using data from MetDesk has now shown low temperatures appearing on December 4. Previous maps have also shown the country could turn icy cold after midnight on December 6, with Wales, northern England and Scotland proving particularly cold, The Mirror reports.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said that ice could pose a risk for some areas. He added: "With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days.

"The current focus for upcoming snow and ice risk is from later on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, with snow showers likely moving in off windward coasts in the north and east, as well as drifting into parts of Northern Ireland and Wales.

"In excess of 10cm of snow is possible over higher ground within the warning areas, with 1-2cm possibly settling at lower levels, which has the potential to lead to some travel disruption. Ice is an additional hazard and is likely to form quickly on untreated surfaces."

A long range forecast from December 4 to December 18 predicts a cold lead up to Christmas. It says: "The start of this period looks like being largely settled, with high pressure close to if not over the UK. However, there is also a chance of more changeable weather patterns, which would see Atlantic weather systems periodically move across the country.

"These will bring some wetter and windier interludes with a risk of some snow, especially for hills in the north. These conditions look more likely to dominate towards the middle of December. Temperatures generally close to average through the period."