The UK is bracing for a significant winter storm to ring in the New Year, with weather maps showing a dramatic shift to purple.

As 2025 approaches, the country faces widespread disruption, with regions from Scotland to southern England expected to be hit.

The latest weather map from WX Chart indicates that western parts of Britain will first bear the brunt of the storm on New Year’s Eve, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and plunging temperatures.

Snow is forecast to sweep across much of the UK by New Year’s Day, with purple and white areas on weather maps highlighting intense snowfall rates.

Key areas bracing for New Year’s snow are:

• Scotland and Northern England: Snow will accumulate rapidly, particularly in higher altitudes around Inverness, Aberdeen, and Newcastle.
• The Midlands: Heavy snow is predicted in Birmingham and surrounding areas.
• Wales and the Southwest: Cardiff and Plymouth are set to experience mixed rain and snow, with colder air pushing in overnight.
• London and the Southeast: The capital may experience sleet and snow showers, which can lead to icy roads and walkways.

As cold Arctic air clashes with the warm, moist conditions, blizzard-like conditions are expected in some regions.

According to WX Charts, snowfall depths could reach up to 20 cm (8 inches) in northern areas, with 1 to 5 cm likely at lower elevations across the UK.

Separately, Met Office’s long-range forecast for December 23 to January 1 said: “Following a widely unsettled weekend, conditions are expected to briefly become more settled and colder with a weak ridge of high pressure moving across the country.

“This is not expected to last, with further cloud, rain and stronger winds moving quickly east across the UK on Monday, reintroducing very mild conditions.”