UK set to be battered by 5cm snow 'with only three parts of England spared'

The UK faces being battered by an Arctic blast in December as the weather takes a downturn before Christmas. Maps and charts from WX Charts, projected using Met Desk data and issued on November 30, show as much as 5cm could hammer the UK on December 15.

And not just Scotland will be hit, either, with northern England braced for flurries - but the Midlands, southwest and southeast of England remaining dry as they are spared from the brunt of the Arctic blast as colder weather sweeps in.

The Met Office has had its say over the charts, and explained in an update spanning December 14 onwards: "Initially, high pressure is likely to be dominant, especially across the south, with relatively settled conditions likely overall.

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"Frontal systems may still affect north and northwest UK at times, although probably fairly weak. Moving into the second half of December, a period of more unsettled conditions appears likely for a time, bringing a greater prevalence of rain and showers to most areas but especially the northwest. Some of the showers could be wintry, especially on high ground.

"Later in the month, there are signals that higher pressure may become re-established, with more settled conditions likely to develop, particularly across the south. Temperatures are likely to be around average overall, with colder interludes bringing frost and fog."

The BBC, meanwhile, predicts "changeable" conditions and says: "According to the long-term weather forecast models, generally quite wet and windy weather could prevail or return during this period, with only brief periods of drier and calmer conditions.

"On average, temperatures should be on the mild side, but with occasional colder spells possible due to a temporarily stronger north-westerly flow. Later in the forecast period (including the Christmas holidays), there are indications that even milder conditions may establish themselves, though coupled with fairly windy if not stormy conditions at times. Consistent with this trend, a few intense lows could move across parts of the UK, potentially leading to disruptive weather."