Up to 51cm of snow is expected to batter Britain as an Arctic wind moves south over the UK and temperatures plummet in January. Maps by forecaster WXCharts predict snow will begin to fall from New Year’s Day in Scotland, and will build up to 27cm of snowfall by January 5, until it begins its descent over England, Northern Ireland and Wales. 

By January 7, the hardest hit areas in northern England will be covered in 11cm, while the tip of Scotland will be battered with a staggering 35cm of snow. At this time, temperatures will have plummeted to freezing during daylight hours, meaning icy conditions are likely.

The Met Office forecast differs from WXCharts, but its chief meteorologist has warned of possible icy conditions, with snowfall and colder than average temperatures from as early as Friday, January 2.

The real storm could begin by 6pm on January 9, when the majority of the UK will be covered in snowfall, with WXCharts predicting a maximum snowfall of 38cm in Scotland. Areas between Northumberland and Cumbria could see 11cm.

The snow is expected to remain in place across the whole of the UK until January 15, according to WXCharts, with the peak of the icy blast reaching a staggering 51cm in parts of Scotland on January 12 and 13.

At midday on January 13, Yorkshire could see up to 21cm on the coast, with 7cm forecast north of London, 7cm in Manchester, and up to 13cm near Newcastle.

The Met Office forecast is different, but has however warned that colder air will move south across the UK from tomorrow, bringing a marked drop in temperatures, severe gales in the north, and an increasing risk of snow and ice.

An update issued today stated: “High pressure to the west and low pressure to the east will bring a northerly airflow across the UK from New Year’s Day.

“This pattern allows Arctic air to push south, resulting in a prolonged spell of very cold weather as we head into the New Year.”

Weather warnings for wind, snow and ice have been issued by the agency from today until Sunday, January 4.