Most of the UK is likely to be battered by heavy snow and freezing temperatures as a 742-mile polar blast hits the country, maps have shown. WXCharts maps have turned white covering areas from Wick to Plymouth as the temperature level plunges to -14C on January 7.

Layers of snow will accumulate in cities around Newcastle and Edinburgh with 67cm of snow per hour on January 7, maps suggest.

However, the northern parts of the country will experience freezing temperatures during that period as the maps show areas around Fort William and Portree witnessing brutal -14C.

According to the weather experts, January will start with a bitter cold snap which is likely to spread throughout the country. Weather maps show that the snowy conditions may remain in Britain for 14 days bringing in more freezing temperatures.

Jim Dale, a meterorlogist with British Weather Services said: “The cold/snow conditions kicks in New Years Eve and unwinds southwards on New Years’ Day and beyond.

“It is going to be much colder everywhere, but most snow confined to northern UK. At first, taking time to hit the south but it’s not out of the question. It is going to be certainly a bitterly cold start to 2025."

It comes as the Met Office issued a multi-hazard warning of heavy snow, rain and wind for various parts of the country. According to the forecaster, the beginning of the New Year would see some unsettled weather conditions with some "danger to life" warnings issued.

The Met Office’s long-range forecast between January 2 and 11 reads: “As the deep area of low pressure clears east by Thursday, winds will turn northerly and cold air will be drawn across the UK.

“Showers of rain and sleet will turn increasingly to snow, especially across the north, and coasts exposed to the onshore wind.

“This cold, showery northerly may persist for a few days before high pressure builds from the west, bringing a period of more settled weather.

“There is a chance that rain may move in from the south over the first weekend of January, turning to snow as it runs into colder air. Into the following week, a fairly changeable picture is most likely.

“Wettest and windiest weather in the north and west, whilst the south and east will probably remain more settled overall.”