As the new year approaches, a frigid start is on the horizon with a bone-chilling -9C blast expected to sweep across the country in the upcoming days. According to recent weather maps from forecaster WXcharts, the beginning of 2026 is anticipated to bring bitter cold to 12 regions nationwide.
While December has seen heavy rain and mild westerly or southerly winds due to a prevailing low-pressure system, a significant change is on the way with temperatures set to plummet to sub-zero levels as indicated by icy blue charts.
On January 3, temperatures are projected to decrease significantly, with some areas barely reaching above 0C. The coldest conditions are forecasted for Scotland, particularly the Highlands and Perth and Kinross, where wintry lows of -9C are expected at 3 am. Stirling and Argyll and Bute may also see temperatures drop to -8C, while other parts of Scotland could experience temperatures between -2C and -4C.
In regions south of the border, including Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, and North Wales, temperatures are expected to hover around -4C. Cardiff and Swansea are likely to face a chilly -1C, while milder areas like London, the South West, and East of England could see temperatures ranging from -2C to -1C.
As the day progresses, temperatures are set to remain low, with vast areas of Scotland experiencing temperatures well below freezing by 9 am. Perth and Kinross could see lows of -8C, while the Scottish Highlands may endure -4C temperatures. In the North East, cities like Newcastle and Sunderland could be hit by a harsh -5C freeze, similar to conditions in Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Met Office’s weather outlook from December 26 to January 4 warns of below-average temperatures, with high pressure likely dominating the weather leading up to the New Year. This is expected to bring settled conditions with a chance of showers later in the period. Frost is likely in areas with clear skies and light winds.
Sign up for email updates on the day’s top stories.