The upcoming new year is expected to kick off with frigid temperatures as a bone-chilling -9C blast is forecasted to move across the country in the next few days.
The beginning of 2026 is anticipated to bring bitterly cold weather based on the latest weather maps from forecaster WXcharts. Around 12 regions nationwide are projected to be gripped by the icy conditions.
While December has seen heavy rainfall and mild westerly or southerly winds in many areas, a notable shift is on the horizon as temperatures are predicted to plummet to sub-zero levels indicated by icy blue charts.
On January 3, temperatures are set to decrease significantly, with some areas experiencing lows just above 0C. The coldest conditions are expected in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Perth and Kinross, where wintry lows of -9C are expected at 3 am.
Elsewhere, regions like Stirling and Argyll and Bute could witness temperatures dropping to -8C. In various parts of Scotland, temperatures are likely to range between -2C and -4C, as reported by the Express.
Across the southern regions, temperatures are also expected to be chilly, with significant parts of Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West preparing for -4C. North Wales and cities like Cardiff and Swansea could face temperatures as low as -4C and -1C, respectively.
In typically milder areas such as London, the South West, and East of England, temperatures are forecasted to hover around -2C to -1C. Even as the sun rises, temperatures are expected to remain low, with vast areas of Scotland seeing freezing temperatures by 9 am.
Perth and Kinross may experience lows of -8C, while the Scottish Highlands are likely to endure -4C temperatures. In the North East, urban centers like Newcastle and Sunderland could be hit by a harsh -5C freeze, with similar conditions expected in Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Met Office’s weather outlook from December 26 to January 4 warns of “below average temperatures.” The forecast suggests that high pressure will dominate the weather leading up to the New Year, maintaining mostly settled conditions with a chance of showery weather later on. Temperatures are expected to be below average, with frost likely in areas with clear skies and light winds.