UK faces Arctic blitz with snow and -6C temperatures 'which will last 72 hours'

The UK faces fresh snow in a 72 hour blast with temperatures dropping to a biting -6C as an Arctic blast freezes Britain. The latest weather maps from WXCharts began turning icy blue on Monday (November 25) - with one month til Christmas.

This bitterly cold trend continues for around 72 hours until Thursday when slightly warmer air starts sweeping across the country. The UKHSA has issued a cold health alert covering the North West and four other regions of England, which will come into force from Tuesday.

Mike Silverstone, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "Along with the rain, things will turn colder from Wednesday for all, with frost and some freezing fog possible. Overnight temperatures could dip to -4C to -6C in places prone to frost."

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A spokesperson said: "Temperatures do fall a little below average by the middle of the week. However although it’ll be cool, there isn’t much precipitation around so there is no snow in the forecast for Manchester at the moment.

"Some snow showers are possible in northern Scotland at times but not down into England. Conditions then warm up closer to average with the chance of some rain by the weekend." The early forecast for Monday night and into Tuesday explains: "Showers will affect the north and west of Scotland and Northern Ireland, parts of Wales and western England overnight. Some are also likely to move eastwards across English Channel coastal counties. Clearer elsewhere with a patchy frost. Winds slowly easing."

Looking ahead at tomorrow, Tuesday (November 26)m the forecasters say: "Scattered showers across the far north and west will ease, as will the breeze, to leave many areas with a dry and sunny day. Rain arriving in Cornwall later."

And the outlook for Wednesday to Friday adds: " Rain and brisk winds affecting southern Britain on Wednesday. Further rain with strengthening winds may affect parts of the north and west thereafter. Otherwise mostly fine. Some fog and frost."